Requisition Id 15478

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to reside within the Sample Environment and Labs Section, which is part of the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD), Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of the team, you will carry out in-situ studies of droplet interface bilayers (DIBs) using fluorescence microscopy techniques (confocal, multiphoton, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, total internal reflection fluorescence) and Flicker spectroscopy. You will also engage with neutron scattering researchers in mapping DIB experiments to neutron reflectometry studies.

The main objectives are: (1) To implement fluorescence microscopy techniques and Flicker spectroscopy to studies of DIBs under electrical stimulation; (2) Use other physical characterization techniques (differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, small angle neutron and/or x-ray scattering) to characterize the DIBs; and (3) Develop/implement image analysis software. The prospective candidate will also have the opportunity to develop their own science that will complement the proposed DIB studies.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Study droplet interface bilayer (DIB) systems using fluorescence microscopy techniques (confocal, multiphoton, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, total internal reflection fluorescence) and Flicker spectroscopy.
• Use other physical characterization techniques (differential scanning calorimetry, Langmuir-Blodgett films, dynamic light scattering, small angle neutron and/or x-ray scattering) to characterize the DIBs.
• Collaborate with neutron instrument staff in developing DIB experiments for neutron reflectometry studies.
• Collaborate with personnel at CNMS in the production of deuterated lipids.
• Publish scientific papers resulting from this research and present results at appropriate national and international meetings.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics, chemistry, biochemistry or a related field completed within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in fluorescence microscopy techniques (confocal, multiphoton, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, total internal reflection fluorescence) and Flicker spectroscopy.
• Experience with lipids and proteins.
• Background in the use of differential scanning calorimetry, Langmuir-Blodgett films, dynamic light scattering, small angle neutron and/or x-ray scattering.
• Background in the use of image analysis software.
• A record of productive research, demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

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 recruiting@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:

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

Benefits at ORNL:

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.

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.