Postdoctoral Research Associate - Gas Dynamics, Fluid Flow, and Mass Transfer

About the role

Overview: We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on efforts related to gas dynamics, fluid flow, and mass transfer. This position resides in the Applied Materials Analysis in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division in the National Security Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and extend models of gas transport and process behavior in industrial systems
• Collaborate with a team of scientists from across the national laboratory complex on modeling efforts
• Extend process flow modeling across material, device, and process scales
• Plan and execute experiments to support and augment modeling efforts
• Conduct simulations using state-of-the-art tools to supplement model development
• Contribute to research proceedings and publications
• Prepare technical reports
• Deliver briefings to stakeholders

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field
• Gas dynamics, pressure drop, and flow through complex systems
• Experience with mass transfer, diffusion, convection, and coupled heat/mass transport
• Process flow analysis, material and energy balances, and process performance metrics
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well in a team environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with safety hazards associated with industrial gases
• Fluency in reading and interpreting process engineering diagrams
• Developing or working with experimental gas flow systems and gas analysis methods
• Computational or process modeling using tools such as Python, MATLAB, Aspen, COMSOL, Fluent, or OpenFOAM
• Experience with high performance computing environments
• Experience working in a classified environment

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.
• Letters of Recommendation: Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position.
• Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q Clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

Benefits

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.

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance