UT-ORII R&D Associate - Advanced Construction Systems

About the role

We are seeking an early-career R&D Associate Staff Member to develop and demonstrate advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation technologies for next-generation building construction.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent R&D in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing systems for building construction.
• Design, prototype, and demonstrate new robotic construction processes (e.g., robotic assembly, automated fabrication, large-scale additive manufacturing, modular construction automation).
• Develop control strategies, perception systems, and digital workflows for construction-scale automation.
• Advance human-robot collaboration methods in manufacturing and construction environments.
• Integrate sensing, control, and manufacturing systems to enable repeatable, scalable construction practices.
• Collaborate with UT faculty, ORNL researchers, and industry partners through UT-ORII.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in the CRI.
• Prepare and present research results to DOE sponsors, industry, and academic audiences.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at leading conferences.
• Contribute to proposal development and strategic research planning.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality requirements per ORNL SBMS.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 1 year of postdoctoral experience or relevant industry experience in advanced manufacturing, robotics, or construction automation.
• Demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following: Robotics and autonomous systems, Construction automation or industrialized construction, Advanced manufacturing systems, Human-machine interaction in manufacturing environments, Robotic process development and system integration.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, patents, or equivalent technical contributions.