In this position, the candidate will characterize and analyze the behavior of nuclear fuels and structural materials used in current- or next-generation nuclear energy systems and research reactors. The candidate will also focus on supporting the advancement of innovative thin film coatings, specifically designed for high-temperature nuclear applications. This will involve employing various techniques such as Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), and Electrochemical Deposition. Further responsibilities will include active participation in the planning, development, and implementation of research within the realm of nuclear materials. The candidate will also conduct ion irradiation experiments at the Argonne Intermediate Voltage Electron Microscope (IVEM) and the Argonne Tandem LINAC Accelerator System (ATLAS). Moreover, the candidate will be required to perform post-irradiation examination of materials procured from these experiments using advanced methods like focused ion beam and electron microscopy techniques. Overall, the candidate will compare and validate predictions of nuclear material performance characteristics with experimental results and/or alternative benchmark models and evaluate and document the results of analytical activities for presentation to the technical community.

Position Requirements

• Significant working knowledge of materials science principles, theories, and advanced characterization techniques is required.

• Demonstrated skill in advanced coating techniques, such as physical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, or electrochemical deposition is a plus.

• Skills in the use of computers and in the analysis of computational results, in the clear and effective documentation and communication of results, and in interaction with co-workers and support personnel are required.

• Demonstrated experience in transmission electron microscopy is required.

• Experience in focused ion beam, other electron microscopy techniques, and X-ray techniques such as diffraction, scattering, tomography, fluorescence, etc. is a plus.

• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or associated field at the Ph.D. degree level & 0 years’ of professional experience.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne’s Legal Department.

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As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.