Postdoctoral Research Associate - Systems Development

at  Oak Ridge National Laboratory

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and/or Systems Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Sustainability, or a related discipline
• Within 5 years after PhD degree.
• A record of productive and creative research proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and/or generation of IP such as patents/patent disclosures

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience and expertise with analytical characterization techniques is plus such as DSC, FTIR, TGA, DMA, EDS, XRD, Rheology, electron and optical microscopy
• Experience with modifying and maintaining industrial composite and polymer processing equipment.
• Ability to maintain current connections and network within the composite and polymer manufacturing industry
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

PURPOSE:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the area of sustainable manufacturing with expertise in building new, advanced systems for plastic circularity. As part of this role, the candidate will be tasked to lead the management, development, and building of new plastics recycling equipment. The ideal candidate will have an interest in combining high-rate conveying and in-line characterization technologies to separate complex, multi-material streams. They should be comfortable working across interdisciplinary teams of people with multiple areas of expertise. The candidate will need to have familiarity with different types of materials including polymers, metals, and others and will need to characterize the quality of products obtained from the equipment. The candidate should be self-driven and have a vested interest in moving the industrial state-of-the-art forward. The candidate will be expected to simultaneously execute multiple projects, contribute to development of new initiatives in their area, interact with ORNL staff, industry, and academic partners. This position resides in the Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conceptualize, design, build, use, and maintain new equipment to enable high-rate, multi-material separation
• Quantify the quality of recycled products obtained from separation technologies
• Manage multiple technical projects and meet milestones reliably
• Establish and manage relevant research collaborations and projects with new industrial partners
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Help to support team goals and work with other team members
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics