Associate Research Staff - Advanced Manufacturing of Extreme Environment Metals

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Knoxville, TN, USA

Posted on Apr 27, 2026

Requisition Id 16331

Overview:

We are seeking an Associate Research Staff Scientist who will focus on the processing and process development of high temperature metallic powder feedstocks. In addition, a knowledge of powder feedstock processing through advanced manufacturing (AM) processing modalities such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP), directed energy deposition, laser powder bed, or electron beam melting with a focus on energy applications are desired. Research will focus on applying the fundamental knowledge garnered from traditional high temperature metal processing such as powder metallurgy or electron beam zone melting to aid in the development of novel extreme environment metals to enable next generation energy system advancements. This position resides in the Deposition Science & Technology Group in the Manufacturing Science Division, Energy Sciences Technology Directorate (ESTD) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will be among team members based at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) first facility established to provide affordable and convenient access to R&D expertise, facilities, and tools to facilitate rapid adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing of alloys and composites. Additive manufacturing of high temperature materials such as refractory and nickel-based superalloys metals presents a new opportunity for these difficult to process materials. The selected candidate will work directly with the team to execute technical programmatic goals, while developing new research directions. Further, the candidate will perform fundamental research including but not limited to alloy design, selection, processing, and advanced material characterization. Further, the candidate will collaborate with staff researchers to develop the processing science for these novel metals for establishing process-structure-property relationships.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide strategic scientific and technical leadership in the area of high temperature metals for additive manufacturing.
  • Contribute to new and ongoing research in powder bed additive manufacturing of high temperature metals.
  • Contribute to novel solutions to problems of national interest, and to the research and development necessary for the deployable implementation of those solutions.
  • Represent ORNL’s scientific capabilities through participation on national scientific committees, leadership in professional organizations, and presentation of research concepts and accomplishments to national audiences at all levels (scientific organizations, collaborators, funding agencies, etc.).
  • Work within ORNL teams to develop requirements and proposals, conduct research, and produce working prototypes for demonstration.
  • Contribute to peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and proposals for internal and external release, and represent ORNL science and technology at conferences and workshops.
  • Contribute to invention disclosures, transition of ORNL research to commercial use, market research, and industry/government activities to enable ORNL science and technology use in practice
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD in mechanical engineering, materials science, welding engineering, or a directly related field
  • A minimum of 1 years of experience in R&D and scientific leadership.
  • Knowledge of extreme environmental metals systems
  • Demonstrated hands on working knowledge of advanced manufacturing equipment
  • Working knowledge and experience with advanced materials characterization

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in R&D and scientific leadership.
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience with transmission electron microscopy
  • Expert level knowledge of operating an SEM and associated detectors for data collection, i.e. EBSD and EDS
  • Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate to an international, scientific audience
  • 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:

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
  • This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
  • Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

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.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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.

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.


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.