[Neutron] ORNL: Postdoctoral Research Associate

[Delaire, Olivier A.]

Postdoctoral Position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory:
Spectroscopic Investigations of Quasiparticle Couplings in Novel Energy Materials

Project Description

Postdoc position in the Scattering and ThermoPhysics Group at ORNL (Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate). The focus of this research project is to investigate fundamental excitations in condensed-matter systems for novel energy applications. Exciting progress has been made in our group in recent years toward understanding couplings of quasi-particles in novel energy materials [1-5]. The project will investigate quasiparticle couplings, including electron-phonon, phonon-phonon, and magnon-phonon interactions in novel materials for energy applications, including thermoelectrics, spin-caloritronics, and other related systems. The research program uses an array of experimental and computational techniques, including neutron/x-ray scattering, first-principles computer simulations, ultrafast laser spectroscopy, transport measurements, magnetic/thermal characterization, and synthesis. The position will support science programs funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

Supervisor: Dr. Olivier Delaire

Please email delaireoa at ornl.gov<mailto:delaireoa at ornl.gov> for further information.

[1] O. Delaire, J. Ma, K. Marty, A. F. May, M. A. McGuire, M.-H. Du, D. J. Singh, A. Podlesnyak, G. Ehlers, M. Lumsden, B. C. Sales, “Giant Anharmonic Phonon Scattering in PbTe”, Nature Materials 10, 614 (2011).
[2] O. Delaire, K. Marty , M. B. Stone, P. R. C. Kent, M. S. Lucas, D. L. Abernathy, D. Mandrus, B. C. Sales, “Phonon softening and metallization of a narrow-gap semiconductor by thermal disorder”, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 108, 4725 (2011).
[3] O. Delaire, M.B. Stone, J. Ma, A. Huq, D. Gout, C. Brown, K.F. Wang, and Z.F. Ren, “Anharmonic Phonons and Magnons in BiFeO3”, Physical Review B 85, 064405 (2012).
[4] J. Ma*, O. Delaire*, A. F. May, C. E. Carlton, M. A. McGuire, L. H. VanBebber, D. L. Abernathy, G. Ehlers, Tao Hong, A. Huq, Wei Tian, V. M. Keppens, Y. Shao-Horn, and B. C. Sales, “Glass-like phonon scattering from spontaneous nanostructure in AgSbTe2”, Nature Nanotechnology 8, 445–451 (2013).
[5] C.W. Li, O. Hellman, J. Ma, A.F. May, H. Cao, X. Chen, A.D. Christianson, G. Ehlers, D.J. Singh, B.C. Sales, and O. Delaire, “Phonon self-energy and origin of anomalous neutron scattering spectra in SnTe and PbTe thermoelectrics”, Phys. Rev. Letters 112, 175501 (2014).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

*   Conduct neutron/x-ray scattering experiments, modeling and simulation of experimental data, and materials transport/magnetic/thermal characterization, as necessary.
*   Work collaboratively with researchers at ORNL, both theorists and experimentalists.
*   Publish papers in high-quality journals and present at key meetings.
*   Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
*   Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Qualifications Required

PhD degree in physics, materials science, engineering, or closely related fields. The candidate must be strongly motivated, safety conscious, and possess good interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills. A strong record of productive and creative research, as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences is required. Candidate must have demonstrated the ability to work independently, and be effective in a collaborative team environment including a broad range of colleagues (theorists and experimentalists).

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED: Demonstrated expertise with neutron/x-ray scattering is required. Experience with materials modeling, especially molecular-dynamics or first-principles methods will be an advantage. Experience with transport measurements will be an advantage.

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.

The initial appointment is a temporary full-time assignment for one year, renewable based on satisfactory performance.