Postdoctoral Research Associate- Thermal Energy Storage Group

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Thermal Energy Storage Group to conduct laboratory research on thermal energy storage and building equipment technologies. The role emphasizes experimental design, data analysis, model development, and effective communication of findings within a multidisciplinary team to advance energy storage solutions and related systems.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering completed within the last 5 years.
• Laboratory and experimental experience

Responsibilities

• Design and develop experimental setups and campaigns, and analyze results.
• Conduct experimental research on thermal energy storage technologies and related HVAC components.
• Develop system-level models to support design activities.
• Prepare technical reports, journal publications, and conference papers.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives.
• Communicate with operations staff to ensure successful project execution.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality standards.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Thermo-fluid analysis

Experimental design

Team collaboration

Technical writing

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate- Thermal Energy Storage Group

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on thermal energy storage and building equipment technologies. This position resides in the Thermal Energy Storage Group in the Building Technology Research, Building and Transportation Section, Energy Science and Technology Directorate, at Oak 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:

• Design and develop experimental setups; plan and execute experimental campaigns; perform thermofluid analyses; and analyze and interpret results.
• Conduct experimental and laboratory research on thermal energy storage technologies, sorption systems, compressors, heat exchangers, HVAC systems, and related technologies.
• Develop and apply system-level models to support research and design activities.
• Prepare technical reports, journal publications, and conference papers; present research findings to sponsors and diverse audiences.
• Contribute to idea generation and proposal development.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to maintain high scientific productivity and achieve project objectives.
• Communicate and coordinate with operations and technical staff to support successful project execution.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality (ESH&Q) standards and requirements.
• 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 degree in Mechanical Engineering completed within the last 5 years.
• Laboratory and experimental experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the design, development, and operation of experimental thermal-fluid systems, including design of experiments and the use of mechanical systems and instrumentation.
• Knowledge in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat and mass transfer, with experience in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Self-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills, able to collaborate across organizational levels in a fast-paced environment; adaptable to evolving project needs and sponsor priorities.
• Willingness and ability to learn new research areas and contribute effectively with initiative and enthusiasm.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated record of technical publications.
• Experience with DOE-funded or industry-sponsored projects and project/task management skills is highly desirable.

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.

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.