Postdoctoral Researcher - Techno-economic Modelling of Thermal Energy Systems

About the role

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is seeking a postdoctoral candidate in mechanical engineering or a closely related field of study. The candidate will work with other engineers and scientists in the Thermal Energy Sciences Group within the Energy Conversion and Storage Center.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical and cost models of individual components, such as compressors, turbines, chillers, heat exchangers, liquid storage tanks, reservoir thermal energy storage, borehole thermal energy storage
• Develop system models, such as power cycles, heat pumps, data center energy systems, combined heat and power systems
• Develop methods to assess system value
• Write technical reports, contribute to project review meetings, publish research results in peer-reviewed conferences and high-impact scientific journals

Requirements

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or closely related field of study
• Demonstrated experience in thermodynamic and heat transfer modeling is required
• Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, Matlab, C++
• Proficiency with version control systems such as Subversion and Git
• The successful candidate will have a track record of research and publications in thermal systems, energy storage, and/or power cycle research
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing and documentation skills

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of simulation and optimization of engineered systems, with preference given to previous experience in the area of thermal systems such as geothermal, solar thermal, and thermal energy storage technologies
• Completed coursework or demonstrated experience related to heat transfer, thermodynamics, energy storage, computer programming, and thermal energy systems

Skills

• Proficiency with energy modeling tools such as System Advisor Model or REopt
• Experience with software such as IPSEpro (or other process simulation tools) or Engineering Equation Solver
• Modeling experience with power generation and energy storage is desired
• Knowledge of geothermal energy, solar thermal, and/or thermal energy storage principles and technologies is beneficial, as is familiarity with software development tools and practices

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Pension benefits
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Personal time off (PTO) and sick leave
• Paid holidays

Pay

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week): $76,600 - $126,400

Schedule

Hours Per Week: 40