Post-Doctoral Research Associate- Nuclear Engineering

University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN

Full-time - Entry Level

Knoxville, TN

Educational Services

About the position

The Post-Doctoral Research Associate position in Nuclear Engineering at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, focuses on experimental research related to nuclear reactor materials. The role involves the development of a custom-modified transmission electron microscope (TEM) designed for a variety of in-situ TEM techniques, including ion irradiation and laser bombardment. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and diverse team dedicated to advancing these capabilities and applying them to complex experimental systems. In addition to the technical development of the TEM, the post-doc will engage with both internal and external users associated with the university, providing training and operational support for the highly modified, high-contrast TEM. Responsibilities will also include technical collaboration with graduate students, staff from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and other national laboratories. The role requires contributing to and developing new research initiatives, writing peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, and managing the fiscal and technical aspects of research projects. This is a limited-term appointment, approximately one year in duration, with the possibility of renewal. The ultimate goal of the position is to assist the post-doc in securing a permanent position aligned with their interests. The post-doc will also be expected to help manage ongoing funded projects and collaborate with a mentor to prepare competitive research proposals for U.S. federal funding agencies, aiming to generate new projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop a custom-modified transmission electron microscope (TEM) for in-situ techniques.
• Engage in experimental research on nuclear reactor materials.
• Train and support internal and external users in operating the modified TEM.
• Collaborate with graduate students and staff from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
• Contribute to the development of new research initiatives.
• Write peer-reviewed scientific journal articles.
• Manage fiscal and technical aspects of research projects.
• Assist in securing a permanent position post-appointment.
• Prepare competitive research proposals for federal funding agencies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or an equivalent field.
• Demonstrated experience with a range of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques.
• Good publication record in peer-reviewed, archival journals.
• Ability to successfully complete and analyze TEM results with respect to experimental observations.
• Expertise in nuclear materials systems and ion beam analysis techniques.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with ion irradiation and laser bombardment techniques.
• Familiarity with collaborative research environments.