Postdoctoral Researcher - Lifecycle & Technoeconomic Analysis

UT-Battelle; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle and ORNL invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher to advance lifecycle analysis and technoeconomic analysis across U.S. industries, including critical minerals recycling and energy–water efficiency projects.

The position emphasizes multi-project management, peer‑reviewed publications, and collaboration with industry and academic partners within the Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group at ORNL.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant discipline obtained within the last five years.
• Experience communicating research to an international scientific audience.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform meticulous lifecycle analysis and technoeconomic analysis for multiple projects.
• Leverage data from ORNL and industry partners to quantify costs, energy use and other factors.
• Publish multiple peer‑reviewed articles per year and align work with program goals.

Skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or Business

Job description

Overview

For this role, we are seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to further develop their expertise in both lifecycle analysis and technoeconomic analysis for several key U.S. industries. As part of this role, the ideal candidate will be passionate about manifesting higher-level project deliverables into a timely, high-quality product. The immediate project needs for this candidate are between two larger efforts in the laboratory. The first effort is in identification of cost-effective technologies (both emerging and at industrial scale) for critical minerals recycling from electronics wastes. In this effort, the candidate will have a direct impact in informing the U.S. Department of Energy’s approach to e-waste recycling. The second approach involves supporting manufacturers and water utilities in setting long-term targets to significantly improve energy and water efficiency throughout their U.S. operations over a ten-year period. The ideal candidate for this role would be passionate about leveraging their experience to enable real-world, quantifiable impacts across a variety of U.S. industries including chemical production, forest products, and critical minerals. The candidate will be expected to simultaneously execute multiple projects, contribute to development of new initiatives in their area, interact with ORNL staff, industry, and academic partners. This position resides in the Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Our research team carries out high-quality R&D focused on the development of domestically sourced, lower-cost, more energy efficient materials, manufacturing technologies, and products for a variety of sectors across the U.S. The successful candidate will support research in a variety of areas and publish original peer-reviewed research articles.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform meticulous, quantified lifecycle analysis and technoeconomic analysis without significant direction from ORNL staff
• Leverage primary equipment data from both within ORNL and from industrial partners from across the U.S. to quantify costs, energy use, and other factors as needed
• Disseminate research findings in the form of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles per year
• Prioritizing multiple research projects at once to meet strategic goals and deliverables
• Regularly report to research staff and project sponsors on the status of projects
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• 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. in Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Business, or a related discipline obtained within the last five years.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience

Preferred Qualifications

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers
• 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.

• Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• 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.

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.

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.