Postdoctoral Research Associate - Imaging and Artificial Intelligence

Requisition Id 13287 

Overview:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will reside in the Materials Engineering Group in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD), Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

This project will be focusing on the development of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) tools for the measurements of 3D tensorial strain in crystalline materials using neutrons at the Spallation Neutron Source VENUS beamline (https://neutrons.ornl.gov/venus). VENUS is nearing completion of its construction and will start commissioning in July 2024. One of the unique time-of-flight imaging capabilities enabled at VENUS is Bragg edge radiography. The measurement of the Bragg edge shift provides information of a lattice plane shift through a sample. This project aims at enabling the 3D reconstruction of the tensorial strain values in 3D using Bragg edge tomography.

Utilizing an advanced neutron imaging technique, neutron grating interferometry (nGI), to study nano-sized features in bulk materials at MARS (https://neutrons.ornl.gov/mars). By participating and contributing to this project, you will gain experience and knowledge in neutron imaging instrumentation and apply these in advancing nGI for material science research through novel instrumentation and computational methods. Then you will be applying nGI in addressing critical scientific questions in material science research. In this project, you will also have the opportunity to access other world class neutron scattering capabilities that would benefit this project and your own growth.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Contribute to the advancement of 3D tensorial strain reconstruction and pursue high-quality research using neutron scattering
• Publish scientific papers and present results from this research at national and international meetings as appropriate
• Champion neutron sciences within the ORNL community and among national and international peers.
• Participate in an inclusive work environment for a diverse community of users, staff, postdocs, and students.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in computational sciences, materials science/engineering, physics, applied physics, engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• Experience in AI/ML software development for imaging techniques
• Proficiency in Python programming language

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in imaging science including instrumentation and computational methods
• Experience in neutron/X-ray radiography and tomography
• Experience in strain measurements and data analysis
• Experience in hyperspectral imaging
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• 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. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three 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

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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

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.