Postdoctoral Research Associate - Multifunctional Equipment Integration Energy Conversion Technology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

On-site fitness facilities

Comprehensive medical benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance multifunctional equipment integration in energy conversion technologies. The role focuses on experimental thermal/fluid systems, prototype development, material synthesis, and performance testing within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

The appointment length is up to 24 months with possible extension, and applicants must hold a PhD in a related field obtained within the last five years.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mechanical, chemical, materials, or electrical engineering or related field within the last five years.
• 3+ years of design and operation of experimental thermal/fluid systems, instrumentation, and thermo/fluids characterization.
• Excellent written and oral communication; proven publication record.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, coordinate, and report complex research on energy conversion systems.
• Develop prototypes, synthesize materials, perform tests, and analyze results.
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations for sponsors.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across academia, national labs, governance, and industry.

Skills

Communication skills

Publication record

Education

PhD in mechanical, chemical, materials or electrical engineering

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Multifunctional Equipment Integration Energy Conversion Technology

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, atOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting, coordinating, and reporting complex research assignments related to energy conversion systems including:
  • Prototype development
  • Material synthesis and analysis
  • Performance testing
  • Analysis of results
  • Preparing research publications
• 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. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in mechanical, chemical, materials, or electrical engineering, or a related discipline obtained within the last five years.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in (a) design and operation of experimental thermal/fluid systems, (b) mechanical/chemical systems and instrumentation, (c) fluid dynamics, combustion, and heat transfer, and (d) thermal and mechanical characterization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven publication record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
• Experience with prototype development.
• Experience in developing new ideas and proposal writing.
• 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.

• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: 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.

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.

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
• 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.