Postdoctoral Research Associate - Momentum-Resolved Electron Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

Overview

The Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates to advance the development and application of next-generation electron microscopy and spectroscopy capabilities for investigating quantum materials.

The research will involve developing and applying advanced approaches to momentum-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy (qEELS), with opportunities to contribute to instrument development, experimental measurements, computational modeling, and data-driven analysis.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, commissioning, and application of advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy instrumentation.
• Design and conduct experiments to investigate electronic properties, collective excitations, and structure–property relationships in quantum materials.
• Develop and apply computational, theoretical, or data-driven approaches to support instrument development, experimental design, and interpretation of results.
• Explore opportunities to integrate electron microscopy and spectroscopy with complementary characterization techniques, including neutron scattering.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams spanning experimental science, instrumentation, theory, and computation.
• Develop scientific software and reproducible workflows for experimental data acquisition, processing, simulation, or analysis.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, present results at scientific conferences, and contribute to research proposals and reports.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

Basic Qualifications

A PhD in physics, applied physics, materials science and engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Electron microscopy and spectroscopy: Experience with transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, electron diffraction, or related advanced characterization techniques.
• Scientific instrumentation: Experience in electron optics, instrument development, experimental physics, instrument control, or computational modeling of scientific instruments.
• Quantum materials and condensed matter physics: Understanding of electronic structure, scattering phenomena, collective excitations, or the physical properties of quantum and correlated materials.
• Computational science and data analysis: Experience with scientific programming, numerical simulation, machine learning, or computational approaches to experimental data interpretation.
• Complementary scattering techniques: Experience with neutron scattering, x-ray scattering, or other methods for investigating material structure and dynamics.

Additional Qualifications Include

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary collaborations.
• Experience developing scientific software or automated experimental workflows, particularly using Python.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results.
• Motivation to develop new experimental or computational capabilities and explore emerging scientific opportunities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

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. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.