Materials Characterization Research Scientist

Leidos is seeking an experienced Materials Characterization Research Scientist interested in pursuing their passion by working side-by-side with world-class scientists and engineers using state-of-the-art equipment to support applied research at the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) driving innovation and delivering solutions for advanced material development and energy technologies. The ideal candidate will be responsible for independently planning and carrying out materials characterization studies including operating and maintaining complex analytical instruments developing new analytical methodologies and resolving technical problems that arise.

The researcher will conduct on-site research at NETL in Albany OR.

What this opportunity with Leidos supporting NETL uniquely provides:

• Working on applied cutting-edge projects with global impact through collaboration with the nations leading energy scientists and engineers to advance the national economic and energy security of the United States.
• Unique insight into the broad range of engineering and scientific disciplines NETL leverages to support national energy research and policy development to address Americas energy challenges support homegrown energy initiatives stimulate economic growth and improve the health safety and security of all Americans.
• Access to world-class customized facilities specific to high-impact energy research technology generation and patent development.
• Participation in novel fundamental and applied energy technology development with direct economic impact on advanced materials and energy technology development.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead Advanced Materials Characterization: Conduct comprehensive characterization and analysis of metallic alloys composites carbonaceous materials and geological samples using techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD) X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and thermal analysis (e.g. TGA LFA Dilatometry DSC DTA) to determine phase composition crystallinity elemental composition structural details thermal stability and phase transition behavior.
• Develop and Optimize Analytical Methodologies: Design validate and implement novel and robust analytical methods including specialized sample preparation sophisticated data acquisition protocols and advanced matrix correction strategies.
• Perform Expert Data Processing and Interpretation: Conduct in-depth analysis of complex diffraction patterns and other analytical data using specialized software including Rietveld refinement and quantitative phase analysis.
• Ensure Analytical Quality and Integrity: Establish and enforce rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols including method validation interlaboratory comparisons and the use of certified reference materials.
• Manage Instrument Operations and Safety: Oversee the expert operation proactive troubleshooting and routine maintenance of X-ray and thermal analysis instrumentation strictly adhering to all radiation safety protocols.
• Collaborate and Disseminate Research Findings: Partner with multidisciplinary research teams to develop comprehensive characterization plans translate complex analytical data into actionable insights through detailed reports and presentations and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
• Contribute to Cross-Functional Expertise: Engage in cross-training to develop and apply expertise in complementary characterization techniques (e.g. Scanning Electron Microscopy) enhancing overall analytical capabilities.
• Organization and Management: Balance competing priorities from multiple project and analytical requests while maintaining stringent QA/QC instrument operation and safety standards.
• Commitment to Excellence: Attention to detail to ensure completed work such as analytical reports method documentation and research publications are technically sound accurate and effective in meeting project objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Materials Science Chemistry Chemical Engineering Physics or related field with 2 years of applicable experience
• Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus
• U.S. Citizen
• Proven expertise in X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis including phase identification Rietveld refinement and crystallographic interpretation demonstrated through publication record
• Demonstrated experience with XRF spectroscopy for elemental analysis and quantitative composition determination
• Extensive hands-on experience with a range of thermal analysis techniques including LFA dilatometry and STA (including DSC TGA DTA) for materials characterization
• Experience identifying and troubleshooting instrument performance issues for X-ray and thermal analysis equipment
• Strong understanding of crystallography solid-state chemistry and materials science principles
• Experience in reporting characterization results and uncertainty analysis to technical audiences
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple research projects in a fast-paced laboratory environment
• Demonstrated experience in method development and optimization for materials characterization
• Experience following and developing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes and standard operating procedures
• Proven track record of collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams and serving as a technical resource

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Materials Science Chemistry Chemical Engineering Physics or related field
• Experience with complementary characterization techniques such as SEM/EDS FTIR Raman spectroscopy XPS and NMR
• Demonstrated experience with in-situ/operando characterization techniques for dynamic materials analysis for
• Experience analyzing metallic alloys or geological samples
• Knowledge of machine learning approaches for materials data analysis and pattern recognition
• Experience in an ISO laboratory environment or with laboratory accreditation standards
• Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating materials characterization expertise
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for technical and general audiences

Salary Range for this position: $100K to $105K

Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.

Were the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We dont wear capes (theyre a safety hazard) but we do solve high-stakes problems with code caffeine and a healthy disregard for how its always been done.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job education experience knowledge skills and abilities as well as internal equity alignment with market data applicable bargaining agreement (if any) or other law.