Postdoctoral Research Associate - Modeling of Chemical Reactor Systems for Clean Energy

Requisition Id 14215 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a post-doctoral researcher specializing in computational modeling of chemically reactive flow systems for bioenergy and clean energy applications. Research areas include reactor and process design for thermochemical conversion, heterogeneous catalysis, biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals, CO₂ capture and conversion, and gas-to-liquid applications. The research spans multiple scales, from fundamental scientific phenomena to technology development stages, with the goal of enabling commercial applications. This work will involve diverse reactor applications, including fixed-bed reactors, fluidized bed reactors, and novel reactor configurations.

Candidates with modeling and simulation experience in one or more of the following technical areas are encouraged to apply: (1) thermochemical reactors such as pyrolysis reactors, gasifiers, and combustion systems, (2) electrochemical conversion processes, (3) conversion of complex biomass and/or waste feedstocks, (4) catalytic conversion processes, (5) membrane or porous media for chemical separations, (6) reaction engineering and developing heterogenous kinetics (7) reactor design, scale up, and control. Experience with experimental methods is welcome but not necessary.

The position is in the Chemical Process Scale Up Group in the Manufacturing Sciences Division; however, you will collaborate with staff across ORNL as well as other scientists from national labs and industry. You will be expected to serve as the technical communicator at conferences and work together with a team to advance bioenergy and clean energy solutions.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced reactor models for a range of chemical processes, focusing on thermochemical, catalytic, electrochemical, and multi-phase reactive systems.
• Conduct process optimization to enhance reactor performance and efficiency, contributing to the scale-up and commercialization of bioenergy and clean energy technologies.
• Apply a strong understanding of catalytic processes to improve reaction mechanisms and conversion efficiency.
• Perform heat and mass transfer analysis within reactor systems to ensure optimal design and operational conditions.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to validate models and integrate simulation insights, supporting a coupled simulation-experiment approach.
• Communicate findings through publications, presentations, and project reviews to share progress with stakeholders.
• Publish and present findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, major conferences, and project review meetings, effectively communicating progress to stakeholders and advancing the field of chemical reactor modeling for sustainable energy solutions.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or an equivalent field completed within the last five years.
• 1-3 years experience in modeling and simulation of reactors or chemical processes
• A record of excellence in research as evidenced through peer-reviewed journal publications

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in computational fluid dynamic modeling
• Experience with modeling tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, STAR-CCM+, or Chemkin
• Proficiency in C++, MATLAB, or Python

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.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for 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, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.