The Structure and Dynamics of Soft Matter group (SDSM), in the Biology and Soft Matter Division (BSMD) of the Neutron
Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is seeking candidates for postdoctoral research scientists in
the area of soft materials. The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory operates the High
Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the United States' highest flux reactor based neutron source, and the Spallation Neutron
Source (SNS), the world's most intense pulsed accelerator based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 24
instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out 1000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials,
biological and medical sciences for 2000 visiting scientists. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and
neutron irradiation. The SDSM group is responsible for the scientific and user programs on several of the neutron scattering
instruments at ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). To learn more about
Neutron Sciences at ORNL go to: http://neutrons.ornl.gov/">http://neutrons.ornl.gov<http://neutrons.ornl.gov/>.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary research team of soft matter scientists at ORNL and actively
participate in the on-going research activities of the group. The candidates will be encouraged to develop their own
independent and collaborative research. The post represents an excellent opportunity for an individual to develop his/her
career and interact with leading scientists from around the world.
This is a one-year assignment, renewable up to four years in one-year increments.
Applicants should have a strong interest in understanding the fundamental interaction mechanisms in soft materials e.g.
polymers, colloids, surfactants, and membranes. The successful candidates will develop vigorous research programs using
modeling, experiment, and theory to understand soft materials primarily using neutron and x-ray scattering techniques.
His/her research interests should range from studying microscopic to mesoscopic length scales and the corresponding
temporal ranges. It is expected that close collaborative relationships with other members of BSMD and the staff of the SNS
and HFIR will be established.
Qualifications
Candidates with recent Ph.D.’s in Physics, Applied Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering,
Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related science is required. Expertise in scattering
theory, soft matter science, or modeling and simulation are desirable but not necessarily required. The candidate is
expected to publish research results in scientific journals, maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and
perpetuation of values and ethics and ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program
requirements. Strong written and oral communication skills and the desire to work in a team environment on scientifically
challenging problems are required.
Applicants cannot have received the most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application and must
complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.
Technical Questions: Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Changwoo Do(doc1@ornl.gov).