Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI and CFD

Fusion Energy Base; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

On-siteFacilities

Health Insurance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance AI-enabled CFD/FEM methods for nuclear energy applications. You will lead large-scale simulations, integrate machine learning for calibration, and contribute to multi-physics workflow development across fission and fusion contexts.

Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field with strong programming skills in Python, C, or C++, and experience with CFD tools like OpenFOAM/Nek5000 or

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in nuclear, mechanical, or chemical engineering, engineering physics, or related field completed within the last 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop next-generation CFD methods using finite volume and finite element techniques for nuclear energy systems.

Skills

Python

C

C++

OpenFOAM

Nek5000

GitHub

Paraview

Education

PhD or equivalent in nuclear/ mechanical/ chemical engineering or related

Tools

OpenFOAM

Nek5000

STAR-CCM+

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

Requisition Id 17011 Overview

The Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division (NEFCD) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to assist in the development, qualification, and deployment of AI agents and models, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation codes, and Finite Element Method (FEM) based tools for nuclear energy (fission and fusion) applications. The position is part of the Multiphysics CFD Applications group, focusing on the development and application of models and simulations for energy production and nuclear systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop next-generation CFD methods (with finite volume and finite element techniques) and models for a variety of nuclear energy systems, using world-leading high-performance computing platforms.
• Perform large-scale simulations of fission and fusion systems employing models for turbulence, heat transfer, magnetohydrodynamics, etc.
• Employ finite element tools for tritium transport simulations in fusion devices.
• Support coordinated multi-physics simulations of fission reactor core, fusion device blankets, and other system components.
• Develop reduced-order calibration approaches and apply machine learning and Bayesian calibration methods to enable multi-scale, multi-physics model development.
• Complete simulation verification, model validation, uncertainty quantification, and documentation.
• Optimize system and component designs for performance and safety.
• Develop agentic workflows for scientific computing.
• Author peer-reviewed papers, technical reports for internal and external release and represent the organization by giving technical presentations to DOE program managers and in large public forums.

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent experience in nuclear, mechanical, or chemical engineering, engineering physics, or related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with Python, C, and/or C++ applied programming.
• Demonstrated experience in applying and extending CFD codes for application to nuclear, or similarly complex, thermal energy systems.
• Experience with open-source CFD codes such as OpenFOAM or Nek5000, and/or commercial CFD codes such as STAR-CCM+, ANSYS or COMSOL.
• Knowledge of finite element simulations methods.
• Experience using parallel Linux computing platforms, parallel job submission scripts, common software repository tools (e.g., GitHub), and parallel visualization software (e.g., Paraview).

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to developing agentic workflows.
• Code development using Git repositories, GPU computing.
• Development of agentic workflows for scientific applications.
• AI methods for CFD and FEM; multiphysics code integration.
• Experience with open-source fusion engineering codes (FESTIM, VertexCFD, OpenMC, etc).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements

Applicants with a Ph.D. or equivalent experience obtained no more than five years prior to the date of application, and who have fulfilled all degree requirements before starting the appointment, are eligible. The appointment will initially be for up to 24 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge. For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits at ORNL

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.

UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.