Postdoctoral Research Associate - Multifunctional Equipment Integration

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site fitness facilities

Generous vacation and holidays

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct advanced research related to energy system technologies. The role includes experimental and analytical work focused on energy efficiency, thermodynamic analysis, and system optimization.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant engineering field with experience in experimental systems. Key duties involve conducting research, publishing findings, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. ORNL provides a supportive research environment and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline obtained within the last five years.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in experimental thermal/fluid systems.
• Experience with building energy modeling and simulation tools.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and analytical research on energy system technologies.
• Develop and operate experimental facilities and conduct testing.
• Analyze experimental and modeling results to identify technical challenges.
• Prepare technical reports and publications.

Skills

Experimental and analytical research

Energy-efficient building systems

Thermodynamic analysis

Fluid dynamics

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in mechanical engineering or related discipline

Tools

EnergyPlus

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Job description

Requisition Id16602

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher who will focus on conducting, coordinating, and reporting complex research assignments related to advanced thermal and energy system technologies. This position resides in the Multifunctional Equipment Integration Group in the Thermal System Science Research Section, Buildings and Transportation Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Overview

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting, coordinating, and reporting complex research assignments related to advanced thermal and energy system technologies, including experimental and analytical research, development of experimental facilities, laboratory and field testing, thermodynamic analysis, system modeling, and performance assessments. The role involves analysis of experimental and modeling results, identifying technical challenges, developing solutions, and providing recommendations for system improvement. The researcher will prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and project deliverables for sponsors and stakeholders. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and engagement with researchers, engineers, and stakeholders from universities, national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry are essential. The researcher will also promote ORNL's mission and core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, fostering a respectful workplace.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and analytical research to evaluate advanced thermal and energy technologies, including energy‑efficient building systems, thermal‑fluid processes, industrial heating applications, data center thermal management, and other emerging energy technologies.
• Develop and operate experimental facilities, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems; conduct laboratory and field testing; and perform thermodynamic analysis, system modeling, and performance assessments.
• Analyze and interpret experimental and modeling results, identify technical challenges, develop solutions, and provide recommendations for system improvement.
• Prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and project deliverables for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and engage with researchers, engineers, and stakeholders from universities, national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline obtained within the last five years.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in (a) design and operation of experimental thermal/fluid systems, (b) mechanical systems and instrumentation, (c) fluid dynamics, combustion, and heat transfer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with building energy modeling and simulation tools such as EnergyPlus or similar platforms, including model development, calibration, and application.
• Experience with computational methods including steady‑state modeling, dynamic simulation, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to support system design and performance optimization.
• Experience in data center thermal management technologies, including air cooling, liquid cooling, direct‑to‑chip cooling, immersion cooling, two‑phase cooling, waste heat recovery, thermal energy storage, or cooling system optimization.
• Innovative thinking and problem solving.
• Proven publication record.
• Experience with heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning (HVAC) equipment is also a plus.
• 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 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.

References

Three references are required. Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position.

Benefits

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs, including medical and retirement plans, flexible work hours, on‑site fitness, banking, cafeteria facilities, 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.