[Neutron] Open position: Instrument Scientist for Single-Crystal/Powder Neutron Diffraction

[Chakoumakos, Bryan C.]

To apply to this position, please visit http://neutrons.ornl.gov/careers and click on the link for "Instrument Scientist for Single-Crystal/Powder Neutron Diffraction / NB50481898"



Company The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) 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 30 instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out in excess of 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and neutron irradiation. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL go to: http://neutrons.ornl.gov.

Purpose:
This Instrument Scientist will be based at the HFIR, and will work with two single-crystal/powder diffractometers, the HB3A Four-circle Diffractometer and the HB2C Wide Angle Neutron Diffractometer (WAND). The WAND has a 1-D PSD detector and is suited for single-crystal studies as well as rapid, medium resolution, powder diffraction. The WAND is part of the US-Japan Cooperative Program on Neutron Scattering, and hosts a diverse array of visiting Japanese users in addition to regular users. Both instruments have a broad range of sample environments, low and high temperature, magnetic field, electric field, and high pressure. This staff position will be within the Structure of Matter Group in the Quantum Condensed Matter Division.
Major Duties/Responsibilities   * Support and expand operation of the WAND for materials physics research. Maintains the instrument and coordinates with support groups to ready the instrument for user experiments. Shares local contact role for supporting user experiments on the Four-circle Diffractometer, which is primarily used for magnetic structural studies.
* Conducts strong independent research toward solving problems in physical sciences using neutron scattering, particularly neutron single-crystal and powder diffraction.
* Support neutron user program to diversify and expand the user community for neutron single-crystal/powder diffraction.
* Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics in the work environment.
* Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
* Physical requirements for this job include the use of hand, eye and ear protection gear, stooping, kneeling, lifting, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Qualifications Required * Support and expand operation of the WAND for materials physics research. Maintains the instrument and coordinates with support groups to ready the instrument for user experiments. Shares local contact role for supporting user experiments on the Four-circle Diffractometer, which is primarily used for magnetic structural studies.
* Conducts strong independent research toward solving problems in physical sciences using neutron scattering, particularly neutron single-crystal and powder diffraction.
* Support neutron user program to diversify and expand the user community for neutron single-crystal/powder diffraction.
* Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics in the work environment.
* Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
* Physical requirements for this job include the use of hand, eye and ear protection gear, stooping, kneeling, lifting, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Work Directions and Interfaces  The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in an appropriate science subject with preferably at least some post-doctoral experience. We will give preference to disciplines in chemical crystallography, materials science, or condensed matter physics. Experience is required in working on forefront problems in crystallography and related structural science using scattering techniques. The successful candidate must have demonstrated ability to work with a broad spectrum of people in a research environment. Candidates must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and enjoy working in a team environment, with the collaboration of all levels, disciplines, and diverse cultural backgrounds of the organization.

Employment is contingent upon the results of a pre-employment physical exam and drug screen which must be administered and cleared before employment can begin.

Qualifications Desired:
A Ph.D. in a related field and 2+ years of related experience is desirable. Experience in conducting research at major facilities is highly desirable.
Measures of Effectiveness       Reports to the Leader of the Structure of Matter Group in the Quantum Condensed Matter Division. Communicates effectively with group members, users, support staff, and management.

Measures of Effectiveness:
Operating and expanding the WAND and sharing instrument responsibility for the Four-circle Diffractometer, with excellent scientific productivity (publications and outreach).