Description

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 Energy’s (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 nation’s 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 America's 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:

• Master’s 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.

We're the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don’t wear capes (they’re a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for “how it’s always been done.”

Original Posting:

December 22, 2025

Pay Range:

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

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Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.