R&D Associate Staff - Polymer Chemist for Composites - Composites Innovation Group

Requisition Id14616

PURPOSE:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly motivatedR&D Associate Staff Memberto drive innovation inpolymer-matrix composites, nanocomposites, and fiber-reinforced compositesforadvanced polymers and composites manufacturing. This role offers the opportunity to conductcutting-edge researchat the forefront of materials science, leveraging ORNL's expertise inmanufacturing, materials formulation, multi-scale modeling, and advanced characterization. As a member of theComposites Innovation Groupwithin the Manufacturing Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), you will contribute to research at theManufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), utilizing industry-relevant manufacturing capabilities. Your work will focus on thesynthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materialsfor applications inhydrogen storage, renewable energy, automotive, and aerospace industries. This position provides the opportunity to collaborate with amultidisciplinary teamof researchers and industry partners, pushing the boundaries of composite materials and manufacturing while supporting ORNL's mission ofscientific discovery and technological advancement.

OVERVIEW:

As a member of our research team, you will play an important role in advancing the science and technology of materials formulation, multi-functional materials for bothconventional and advanced composite manufacturing methods, including additive manufacturing. Your contributions will extend to the development ofinnovative techniques for advanced composite and high rate manufacturing processes, ensuring materials meet both performance and scalability requirements. Additionally, you will explore thefeasibility of applying scientific principles to the development of novel functional coatings or smart materials, driving innovation incost-competitive, high-performance solutions. Your expertise inmaterials science, composite manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and chemical researchwill be essential to maintaining and enhancing ORNL'sstandards of excellence in research and development. This position requires acollaborative mindset, as you will work closely withORNL staff, industry leaders, and academic partners shape new initiatives, lead multiple projects, and expand the boundaries of composite materials research.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct research onchemistry and processing-structure-property relationshipsto enable the seamless integration of novel materials intoadvanced manufacturing.
• Lead and managemultifunctional materials projects, driving innovation in high-performance, adaptable material systems.
• Developrecyclable thermosets and vitrimer compositeswith modular designs tailored forrenewable energy applications, enhancing sustainability and performance.
• Formulate and synthesize cutting-edge materials forhydrogen storage solutions, includinglinerless, lightweight carbon fiber composite pressure vesselswith enhanceddurability, safety, and efficiency.
• Utilizeadvanced manufacturing techniques, such asadditive manufacturing (e.g., UV direct ink writing), reactive and field-induced processing (electric and magnetic field-mediated processes), and hybrid manufacturingto expand material capabilities.
• Optimizefabrication techniques for nanocomposites, ensuring superiorfiller dispersion, fiber orientation, and microstructural controlto maximize material performance.
• Maintainhigh scientific productivitythrough collaboration, innovation, and research excellence.
• Engage regularly withsenior scientists, academic institutions, and industry partners, contributing to research progress and preparing comprehensive reports onkey findings and developments.
• Uphold a strong commitment toscientific integrity, ethics, and ORNL's core values, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Ensure strict adherence toenvironmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements, promoting a safe and responsible research environment.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• A PhD in polymer science, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, or other related discipline.
• Expertise in polymer composites, nanocomposites, and fiber-reinforced composites, with a strong emphasis on processing-structure-property relationships.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, material formulation, and advanced manufacturing techniques
• Knowledge of recyclable thermosets, vitrimer composites, or coatings for renewable energy applications
• Familiarity with EMI shielding, conductivity, and smart sensing solutions for automotive and aerospace applications
• Experience with hydrogen storage systems, such as composite pressure vessels
• Experience with advanced characterization methods related to multi-functional materials
• Experience with material and process technologies, including advanced manufacturing processes, and failure analysis
• Experience with a variety of advanced manufacturing techniques
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Motivated and safety conscious
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to ever changing needs with the proven ability to function well in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative team environment

• Ability to work on multiple tasks in a limited amount of time and to independently set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks to meet deadlines

OTHER INFORMATION:

Three letters of reference should be provided upon request.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.