Postdoctoral Research Associate - Process Monitoring of Directed Energy Deposition of Metals

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in sensor integration, data acquisition, and in situ process monitoring for additive manufacturing (AM). The candidate will aid staff in conducting high quality research by developing, integrating, and deploying advanced sensing modalities (e.g., thermal, optical, acoustic, etc.) to enable real-time process monitoring of the Directed Energy Deposition (DED) printing process.

A background in sensors, instrumentation, and data analytics is preferred. Strong communication and program management skills are required. This position resides in the Deposition Science and Technology Group at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) in the Manufacturing Sciences Division (MSD), Energy Sciences and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will engage with researchers with various backgrounds such as materials science, sensing and instrumentation, controls, data science, and robotics along with close interactions with industry partners. These engagements will play a vital role in ensuring success of programs and the adoption by project sponsors. You will also be involved in proposal writing with our scientists while taking the lead in publishing high impact papers.

• Work within a committed team of scientists to develop in situ monitoring technologies for DED-based AM processes.
• Design, integrate, and deploy multi modal sensor systems (including but not limited to optical, thermal, acoustic, pyrometry, spectroscopy, co-axial and off-axis high speed imaging, and more) for process monitoring and diagnostics.
• Develop and implement data acquisition, signal processing, and data analytics frameworks to correlate sensor data with process induced defects, microstructure, and material performance.
• Interact with industrial partners, other research organizations, and universities related to advanced manufacturing technologies, and product, systems, and materials development.
• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• A PhD degree in material science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or a related field completed within the last five years.

• Background in in-situ process monitoring for metal AM, particularly DED.
• Hands-on experience with sensor hardware and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with optical systems, thermal imaging, pyrometry, spectroscopy, high speed imaging or acoustic sensing.
• Familiarity with data analytics, machine learning, or signal processing.
• Knowledge of metal additive manufacturing, process physics, and/or metallurgy to interpret sensor data in a materials science context.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journal papers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international, scientific audience.
• Motivated and safety conscious.
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task, and adapt to ever-changing needs with the proven ability to function well and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative, team environment.

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to Postdoc recruitment with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

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