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Neutron Scattering Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Feb 02, 2026

Requisition Id15828

Overview:

We areseeking aNeutron Scattering Scientist whowillwork as a team member within the suite of neutron direct geometry spectrometers at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS).The suite includes the two thermal and epithermal spectrometers and two cold spectrometers with one capable of full polarization analysis.

These instruments support a diverse science community attracting scientists from all over the world conducting world-class research in physical, chemical, and materials sciences. More details about the instruments and their scientific impact can be found athttps://neutrons.ornl.gov/arcs,https://neutrons.ornl.gov/cncs,https://neutrons.ornl.gov/hyspec, andhttps://neutrons.ornl.gov/sequoia.

In this role you will support one of the spectrometers and be tasked with developing a leading scientific program focused on neutron scattering. You will be championing developments on the instrument with sample environments, as well as the software, tomaintainand further develop the instrument's performance and to expand the user base.

A keycomponentof your role is to ensure safe operation and user support of the beamlines. You will act as a local contact for users, including helping with experimental setup, dataacquisitionand data analysis. You will have the opportunity to work with users on a wide range of science topics covered by the instruments. It is expected that you pursue your own research program, focusing on neutron scattering capabilities.

This positionresidesin theDirect Geometry Spectroscopy Group in the Spectroscopy Section,Neutron Scattering Division,Neutron Sciences DirectorateatOak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Pursue a high-quality personal research program using neutron spectroscopy, build national and international collaborations, and publish research results in scientific journals.

  • Assistusers as a local contact for experimental setup and data acquisition,participatein user education asappropriate, and ensure users are provided with analyzable data when possible.

  • Pursue developments in instrumentation, sample environment, and software to helpmaintainand further advance the performance of the instrument suite.

  • Attractnew users, both broadly and from areas related to your own research, to expand the user community and the impact of neutron scattering in the physical, chemical, and material sciences.

  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

  • 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 LabDirector's office can be foundhere:https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.

  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promoteequal opportunityby fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD inphysics,chemistry,materialsscience, or related field.

  • A minimum of1year of related experience.

  • A strong record of researchdemonstratedby publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previousresearch experience in fields such as condensed matter physics or energy materials

  • Experience with neutron and/or X-ray spectroscopy and related analysis

  • Experience with neutron and/or X-ray diffraction

  • Experience with other spectroscopic techniques (Raman, Mossbauer, etc.)

  • Previousbeamline support experience in a neutron or synchrotron X-ray user facility

  • Demonstrated ability to work with other technical and scientific support groups

  • Demonstrated ability to work with graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and other research scientists from both academia and/or industry

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.

Benefits at ORNL:

We offercompetitive pay and benefits programs to attract andretainhardworkingpeople!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 includethe 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 Assistanceis available.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

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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.

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