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

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement plans

On-site fitness facilities

Employee discounts

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance gas dynamics, fluid flow, and mass transfer modeling within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Directorate. You will develop and validate models, run simulations, and collaborate across the national lab ecosystem to broaden process understanding.

The appointment is up to 24 months with potential extension, requiring a PhD in a related field and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field as listed
• Expertise in gas dynamics, pressure drop, and flow through complex systems
• Experience with mass transfer, diffusion, convection, and coupled heat/mass transport
• Proficiency in process flow analysis, material and energy balances, and process performance metrics
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and extend models of gas transport and process behavior in industrial systems
• Collaborate with 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
• Contribute to research proceedings and publications
• Prepare technical reports
• Deliver briefings to stakeholders

Skills

Gas dynamics

Mass transfer

Heat/mass transport

Computational modeling

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Aspen

COMSOL Multiphysics

Fluent

OpenFOAM

Job description

Overview

Requisition Id 16949

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 at Oak 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 transport


• Process 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

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.

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.

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.