Postdoctoral Research Associate - Process Monitoring of Directed Energy Deposition of Metals

Requisition Id15813

Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in sensor integration, data acquisition, and in situ process monitoring for additive manufacturing (AM). The candidate will aid staff in conducting high quality research by developing, integrating, and deploying advanced sensing modalities (e.g., thermal, optical, acoustic, etc.) to enable real-time process monitoring of the Directed Energy Deposition (DED) printing process. A background in sensors, instrumentation, and data analytics is preferred. Strong communication and program management skills are required. This position resides in the Deposition Science and Technology Group at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) in the Manufacturing Sciences Division (MSD), Energy Sciences and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will engage with researchers with various backgrounds such as materials science, sensing and instrumentation, controls, data science, and robotics along with close interactions with industry partners. These engagements will play a vital role in ensuring success of programs and the adoption by project sponsors. You will also be involved in proposal writing with our scientists while taking the lead in publishing high impact papers.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work within a committed team of scientists to develop in situ monitoring technologies for DED-based AM processes.
• Design, integrate, and deploy multi modal sensor systems (including but not limited to optical, thermal, acoustic, pyrometry, spectroscopy, co-axial and off-axis high speed imaging, and more) for process monitoring and diagnostics.
• Develop and implement data acquisition, signal processing, and data analytics frameworks to correlate sensor data with process induced defects, microstructure, and material performance.
• Interact with industrial partners, other research organizations, and universities related to advanced manufacturing technologies, and product, systems, and materials development.
• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• 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 degree in material science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or a related field completed within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in in-situ process monitoring for metal AM, particularly DED.
• Hands-on experience with sensor hardware and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with optical systems, thermal imaging, pyrometry, spectroscopy, high speed imaging or acoustic sensing.
• Familiarity with data analytics, machine learning, or signal processing.
• Knowledge of metal additive manufacturing, process physics, and/or metallurgy to interpret sensor data in a materials science context.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journal papers.
• 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 and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative, team environment.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to Postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.

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.