Material Degradation under Extreme Environments Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate materials’ behavior under extreme environments such as stress, temperature, and irradiation. Particularly, the researcher will focus on creep deformation of materials and radiation effects on materials. This position requires a strong background in advanced materials characterization (e.g., transmission electron microscopy and atom-probe tomography) and a firm understanding of physical metallurgy principles.

In this position you will assist in collecting experimental data, analyzing and interpreting the data to determine material performance and understand the basic mechanisms of materials degradation of alloys including Ni binary alloys and high entropy alloys. You will be responsible for publishing research results in internal reports and open literature in a timely manner. Collaboration between the computational and experimental elements will be strongly encouraged through research exchanges to develop a common intellectual basis for the postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and principal investigators. The postdoctoral fellowship will mainly be funded through a Department of Energy - Office of Science Early Career Award under the Basic Energy Science category.

Idaho National Laboratory has been designated as the lead Department of Energy laboratory for all aspects of nuclear fuel and materials research and development in the United States. INL has the most comprehensive single-location nuclear fuel research capabilities in the US and, in particular, the most complete and advanced complement of post-irradiation examination capability for studying the effects of radiation damages on reactor materials and fuels. The research conducted under the Early Career project strongly supports INL’s nuclear energy mission.

Please send curriculum vitae, a summary of research plans, and a list of three or more references to: boopathy.kombaiah@inl.gov    

QUALIFICATIONS

· PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years
· Ph.D. in Metallurgy or Materials Science or a closely related field
· Hands-on experience with advanced materials characterization and spectroscopic techniques such as SEM, FIB, TEM, APT, and SIMS
· Knowledge of alloy design and processing
· Hands-on experience in conducting creep testing of materials and data analysis
· Understanding radiation effects in materials such as radiation-induced segregation and void swelling
· Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English
· Demonstrated expertise (through peer-reviewed journals) in physical/mechanical metallurgy principles.
· Excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals
· Successful record of writing and being awarded research grants
· Ability to be a strong team player and effectively organize and lead tasks
· Relevant experience working in a research laboratory environment