Postdoctoral Research Associate - Industrial Onsite Energy

UT-Battelle; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

UT‑Battelle, operating Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance MEERA energy research. You will support onsite energy technologies (solar, wind, thermal storage) and related industrial energy efficiency initiatives, delivering technical assistance to large energy users and participating in DOE programs.

The role emphasizes quantitative analysis, lifecycle assessments, and publication of results, with opportunities to collaborate across

Qualifications

• PhD in a engineering discipline with recent completion (within 5 years).
• Strong quantitative and analytical background applicable to advanced manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Support technical assistance activities for onsite energy systems.
• Conduct market analyses to identify opportunities for onsite energy technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed papers.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Lifecycle energy assessments

Data analysis (Python/R/Excel)

Written and oral communication

Education

PhD in mechanical/industrial/electrical/environmental/chemical engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

Python

R

Job description

Overview Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

Requisition Id 16939
Overview Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Research & Analysis (MEERA) Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to work in the areas of renewable energy and the implementation of such technologies on-site, along with their associated supportive technologies (such as solar photovoltaics, solar thermal systems, wind power, renewable fuels, geothermal solutions, battery storage, thermal storage, and industrial heat pumps). The role also involves research and analysis of technologies and practices for increasing the energy efficiency of the industrial sectors. The primary objective is to deliver the direct technical assistance support for industrial sites, and other large energy users, installing electricity and thermal energy generation and storage technologies at their facilities.
The MEERA Group actively contributes to the efforts of the Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Office (ITO) in providing technical assistance. The focus of this assistance revolves around helping American industrial and other large energy users lower costs, install onsite energy technologies, and increase resilience, security, and energy independence.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Support technical assistance activities, including research and analysis of technologies and methodologies for onsite energy systems.
• Conduct in-depth market analyses to identify opportunities for onsite energy technologies in the industrial sector.
• Compose technical reports, create presentations, and publish peer-reviewed papers.
• Support the development of new resources, training, and tools to support companies participating in the DOE's Better Plants program.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years.
• Quantitative and analytical research background which can be applied to conduct research analysis on advanced manufacturing technologies and manufacturing systems that could achieve transformative gains in process productivity and enhance manufacturing sustainability.
• Strong analytical capabilities with an experience in the area of life cycle energy and cost assessments for conducting manufacturing technology assessments.

Preferred Qualifications

• An educational background in sustainable manufacturing technologies with an emphasis on circular economy research.
• Demonstrate an understanding of renewable and onsite energy technologies including experience with industry and/or buildings, specifically with the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency management and projects.
• excellent quantitative and analytical background acquired through research, which can be applied to conduct research analyses on on-site energy technologies.
• Proficiency in using Excel, Python, R or similar tools for engineering data analysis is preferrable.
• 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.
• Willing to travel for key meetings, and attend key conferences and workshops.

Special Requirements

Applicants cannot have received their PhD 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.

• Letters of Recommendation:

For Foreign National Candidates

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.

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.

• 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
• 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.