Postdoctoral Research Associate - Multifunctional Equipment Integration (Materials)

This position resides in the Multifunctional Equipment Integration Group in the Thermal Systems Science Section, Buildings and Transportation Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher who will focus on the development of innovative processes and technology that can be applied to buildings and the grid.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, coordinate, and report results on complex research related to:
  • Advanced electrical insulation materials
  • Advanced cooling solutions for energy systems
  • Thermal management for electronics and data centers
  • Separation processes for building environments
• Develop experimental setup, problem-solving, conduct experimental campaigns, perform materials synthesis and analysis, sub-component fabrication, process optimization and integration, and prepare technical documents and research publications.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Help the team goals and work with other team members.
• Interact and collaborate with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and industry.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Requirements

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline completed in the last five years.
• Strong hands-on experience in experimental research, including materials synthesis, device fabrication, instrumentation, experimental setup development, and advanced characterization techniques.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

Expertise in one or more of the following areas is of particular interest:

• Advanced functional materials, including polymer composites, dielectric materials, thermal interface materials, and multifunctional materials.
• Heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermal sciences, and thermal management.
• Nanofluids, phase-change materials, and advanced cooling technologies.
• Membranes, adsorption/sorption, separation processes.

Experience in AI/ML for materials discovery and process optimization would be a plus.

Schedule

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.

Benefits

• 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
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities

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. 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.