Postdoctoral Research Associate - Gas Dynamics, Fluid Flow, and Mass Transfer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate focusing on gas dynamics, fluid flow, and mass transfer within the Applied Materials Analysis group of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division. The role involves modeling, experiments, simulations, and collaboration across the national laboratory.

The position requires a PhD in a related field and strong communication skills. The candidate will work with Python, MATLAB, and CFD tools in a safety-conscious,

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or related field.
• Experience with gas dynamics, pressure drop, and flow through complex systems.
• Experience with mass transfer, diffusion, convection, and coupled heat/mass transport.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well in a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and extend models of gas transport and process behavior in industrial systems.
• Collaborate with a team of scientists from across the national laboratory complex on modeling efforts.
• Extend process flow modeling across material, device, and process scales.
• Plan and execute experiments to support and augment modeling efforts.
• Conduct simulations using state-of-the-art tools to supplement model development.
• Contribute to research proceedings and publications.
• Prepare technical reports.
• Deliver briefings to stakeholders.

Skills

Gas dynamics

Mass transfer

Process flow analysis

Team communication

Written and oral communication

High performance computing

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Aspen

COMSOL

Fluent

OpenFOAM

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Gas Dynamics, Fluid Flow, and Mass Transfer

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on efforts related to gas dynamics, fluid flow, and mass transfer. This position resides in the Applied Materials Analysis in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division in the National Security Sciences Directorate atOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop, validate, and extend models of gas transport and process behavior in industrial systems
• Collaborate with a team of scientists from across the national laboratory complex on modeling efforts
• Extend process flow modeling across material, device, and process scales
• Plan and execute experiments to support and augment modeling efforts
• Conduct simulations using state-of-the-art tools to supplement model development
• Contribute to research proceedings and publications
• Prepare technical reports
• Deliver briefings to stakeholders

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or a related field
• Gas dynamics, pressure drop, and flow through complex systems
• Experience with mass transfer, diffusion, convection, and coupled heat/mass transportProcess flow analysis, material and energy balances, and process performance metrics
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well in a team environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with safety hazards associated with industrial gases
• Fluency in reading and interpreting process engineering diagrams
• Developing or working with experimental gas flow systems and gas analysis methods
• Computational or process modeling using tools such as Python, MATLAB, Aspen, COMSOL, Fluent, or OpenFOAM
• Experience with high performance computing environments
• Experience working in a classified environment.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q Clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

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.