Postdoctoral Research Associate - Instrumentation, Modelling, and Control of Complex Systems

Requisition Id 2431 

Purpose:
The Sensors & Embedded Systems Research (SESR) Group in the Electrical and Electronics Systems Research (EESR) Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking applications for a postdoctoral research associate with expertise in advanced control system theory and application to support research in water treatment process control, advanced manufacturing, and energy systems. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in: 1) the development of novel methodologies for model identification and automation; 2) generating creative solutions for complex systems monitoring and control; and 3) experimental deployment and testing of advanced control theory.

The chosen candidate is expected to perform research that expands current state-of-the-art control theory use in a diverse range of manufacturing, energy production and distribution, and water treatment application areas. The chosen candidate is expected to publish the results of their research.  Representative activities include: the development and implementation of system identification algorithms to enable model-predictive control of water treatment systems, smart manufacturing controls approaches for energy intense manufacturing applications, and collaboration with other ORNL researchers to develop technical research strategies to solve problems proposed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and industrial partners.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities for this position involve control theory research & development in support of ORNL/DOEs mission to advance science and energy applications.

• Conduct pioneering research in advanced modelling and control theory and application with a focus on water treatment, manufacturing, and the electric grid.
• Present and report research results in high-impact peer reviewed journals, conferences and program reviews
• Work with other ORNL researchers to develop technical strategies for future research that aligns with the monitoring and automation capabilities within the laboratory

Qualifications Required:

The position requires a PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline. Training and experience with mechanistic and empirical models, control theory, and control applications is paramount.
Applicants cannot have received the most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. 

Appointments will initially be for 24 months with a possibility of an extension of up to 12 months. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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.