Postdoctoral Research Associate, Scientific Machine Learning

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in AI and machine learning for multiscale physical systems. This position involves research and development of scalable models using high-performance computing resources, with focus areas including fluid dynamics and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field, have expertise in scientific AI/ML, and demonstrate strong programming and communication skills. The role offers a dynamic research environment with an initial appointment of up to 24 months.

Qualifications

• Strong background in scientific AI/ML and computational fluid dynamics.
• Experience with multi-physics simulations and deep learning models.
• Demonstrated publication record and effective interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Research and development of scalable AI and ML models.
• Conduct research focused on fluid and plasma dynamics.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Programming in Python/C++

Scientific computation

Effective communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant engineering or science field

Tools

Deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch)

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for multiscale physical systems. This position resides in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). CSED focuses on transdisciplinary computational science and analytics at scale to enable scientific discovery across the physical sciences, engineered systems, and biomedicine and health. It provides foundations and advances in quantum information sciences to enable quantum computers, devices, and networked systems. It develops community applications, data assets, and technologies and provides assurance to build knowledge and impact in novel, crosscut‑science outcomes.

Major Duties / Responsibilities

• Research and development of scalable AI, ML, and deep learning models using the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) systems.
• Conduct research with scalable transformer‑based foundation models with large volumes of spatiotemporal physical data, focusing on fluid and plasma dynamics.
• Collaborate within a multi‑disciplinary research environment consisting of computational scientists, experimentalists, and engineers conducting basic and applied research in support of the Laboratory's missions.
• Author peer‑reviewed papers, technical papers, reports and proposals for internal and external release as well as represent the organization via technical presentations in workshops and conferences.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Computational Science, or a field closely related to the job duties of this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in scientific AI/ML, computational fluid dynamics, turbulence modeling, plasma physics, and edge/scrape‑off layer transport.
• Demonstrated programming ability and knowledge of Python and/or C++.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks like PyTorch and application on high‑performance computing (HPC) environments using distributed data or model parallel training.
• Experience with multi‑physics simulations on HPC and with ML models.
• Experience working in a multi‑disciplinary research environment.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, a proven publication record, and effective interpersonal skills.

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

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.