Postdoctoral Research Associate - Building Sensing and Control

Requisition Id 14166 

Overview: 

The Grid Interactive Controls Research Group (GICR) in the Electrification and Energy Infrastructure Division (EEID) within the Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The Grid Interactive Controls group specializes in pioneering innovations at the edge of today’s power grid, concentrating on fortifying grid security, enhancing reliability, bolstering resilience and advancing decarbonization. Our primary focus lies in the comprehensive 'Everything-to-Grid' (X2G) strategies, developing cutting-edge solutions in grid-edge integration and control. Our commitment revolves around seamlessly incorporating emerging distributed energy resources, including demand response emerging at the grid edge, providing essential services crucial to its reliable operation. Employing a diverse range of disciplines such as control theory, optimization, economics, game theory, data analytics, and machine learning, the Grid Interactive Controls group delves deeply into understanding intricate grid-edge operations. Researchers are dedicated to laying the groundwork for optimal X2G integration and utilization. Group initiatives encompass innovative sensor technologies, advanced modeling techniques, and precise control mechanisms specifically designed for the grid edge. Research promotes grid-interactive efficient buildings as pivotal components in advancing building-to-grid integration, amplifying their role in electrification of heating and ultimately shaping the future decarbonized grid.

Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and education. You should be highly self-motivated and independent in conducting research under general guidance and is expected to prepare manuscripts for scientific publication and present the work to sponsors and at conferences.  As part of our research team, you will be responsible for conducting, coordinating, and reporting complex research assignments related to buildings, specifically: 1) system modeling and optimization with applications to building-to-grid integration, and 2) hardware and software development to support the deployment of advanced control strategies in real building systems. Your work will be interacting and collaborating with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and private industry. You will have the opportunity to interface directly with program sponsors and lead proposal development teams.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Developing advanced modeling and optimization methods to improve the innovative design and operation of building systems.
• Designing hardware and software solutions that push the limits of demand flexibility and optimal control in building systems, advancing both technology and market adoption.
• Creating technical papers, guidance documents, presentations, and outreach materials for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• 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:

• PhD degree in a related scientific field (e.g. architecture, architectural/mechanical/electrical engineering) completed within the last five years.
• Proven experience in leading or contributing to the development of journal articles.
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in building HVAC design and operation.
• Proficient in developing software with Python for building-related applications.
• Experienced in modeling building operations using energy modeling tools like EnergyPlus, as well as data-driven models.
• Expertise in developing advanced building control strategies, including model predictive control and reinforcement learning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently and contribute creatively in collaborative team settings across the lab.
• Skilled at thriving in a fast-paced research environment, managing priorities to complete multiple tasks on time, and adapting to evolving needs.
• Experienced in developing software specifications and requirements documentation.
• Proficient in using Git, CI/CD pipelines, and software containers.
• Experienced in building and maintaining websites and web applications.
• Proven ability to program in Julia or Modelica.
• Exceptional oral communication skills.

Special Requirements:

Some travel will be required for this position.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can 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.

Please include a discussion of your research interests and how neutron scattering can support your plan for research during your time at ORNL in your cover letter with your application.

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

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, 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.