Postdoctoral Research Associate - Multifunctional Equipment Integration

Requisition Id 13296 

New Postdoctoral Researcher opportunity at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

• Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the transition to a clean energy future?
• Are you wanting to turn your science and technology expertise toward solving the problems of a changing climate?
• Do you want to build your professional experience through collaboration with world-leading researchers and institutions, working together to improve climate resilience and prosperity?

If you answered “Yes!” to any of those questions, there is an exciting and unique opportunity available now to put your plans into action, through Oak Ridge National Lab’s Climate Change Science Institute (CCSI).

Overview:

CCSI is partnering with Georgia Tech to launch a new project that will connect our combined science and technology strengths with communities and other stakeholders to serve real-world needs in the Southeast region and beyond. This project is part of a new CCSI initiative called Science and Technology for Applied Regional Solutions (CCSI STARS).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting, coordinating, and reporting novel research assignments related to micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) using a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen, including:
  • Component development and micro-CHP system retrofitting
  • Experimental setup and performance testing
  • Micro-CHP lab testing and real-world demonstration
  • Techno-economic analysis and life cycle analysis studies
  • Modeling and analysis of results
  • Preparing technical documents and research publications
• The work will also involve interacting and collaborating with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and private industry.
• The successful candidate is expected to 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.
• 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 mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• The candidate should possess the necessary background and experience in (a) innovative thinking and problem solving, (b) retrofitting and operation of international combustion engine and micro-CHP system, (c) experience in gas fuels such as natural gas and hydrogen, (d) knowledge in combustion, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The successful candidate should have a proven publication record.
• Experience with experiments for 4-stroke engines running with natural gas and/or hydrogen
• Experience with power generation and waste heat recovery for micro-CHP
• Experience with generator, rectifier, inverter, and battery
• Experience with SolidWorks, GT-Suite, and/or Convergence software
• Familiarity with LabVIEW software for control and data acquisition
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

CCSI Vision Statement

We leverage ORNL's unique capabilities as a trusted partner to provide climate change knowledge, insight, and solutions for a sustainable future.

CCSI Mission Statement

We develop and translate data, knowledge, and applied understanding of climate change science through collaboration with stakeholders, to provide an equitable and sustainable future for our communities, the nation, and the world.

For more information, please contact Kashif Nawaz (nawazk@ornl.gov).  

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.

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.

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

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.