Postdoctoral Research Associate - State & Community Energy Programs

Requisition Id 14042 

Overview:  

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace. 

The Integrated Building Deployment and Analysis (IBDA) Group in the Buildings and Transportation Science Division (BTSD) is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP).  

The SCEP team consists of researchers, technical professionals, and software developers focused on conducting research in world-class facilities and deploying science-based knowledge in real-world applications. The position supports the U.S. DOE Weatherization Assistant Program and the weatherization network by developing tools and resources for building energy audit and health and safety assessment; providing training and assistance; supporting program and policy evaluation; developing or refining methodologies for enhancements of different aspects of Weatherization Assistant Program. This position requires working with the sponsors (DOE, states) and external entities (e.g., other national labs, weatherization agencies, consultants) to develop and demonstrate tools, resources, and methodologies. Candidate selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and education.   
  

Major Duties/Responsibilities:  

If selected, you will provide support to develop and demonstrate tools, resources, and methodologies for enhancements of different aspects of Weatherization Assistant Program to achieve energy and cost savings, lower greenhouse gas emissions, lower residential costs for low-income households, and expand energy justice. Major responsibilities include:  

• Develop or assist the task lead in developing methodologies for a range of subject areas including:   
  • Quantifying monetizable non-energy impacts of weatherization  
  • Evaluating energy conservation measure lifetime  
  • Incorporating new technologies into weatherization  
  • Evaluating quality assurance through energy audit data input  
  • Standardizing regional energy conservation measure packages, etc.  

• Author analysis tools in MS excel, python or similar language, as needed, for demonstrating these methodologies  

• Conduct pilot studies for evaluating new technologies for weatherization to understand savings potential, workforce needs, procurement process, cost savings, etc.    

• Conduct user testing of ongoing audit software development  

• Contribute to technical proposals for funding  

• Author technical reports  

• Present project outcomes to 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: 

• A PhD in a field related to building science, architecture, construction, or closely related field completed within the last 5 years. 

• Experience and demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Excel and basic programming skills in C, C++, Python, or Matlab.

• Familiarity with residential building construction and energy systems  

• Excellent communications skills for visualization and presentation of methodology, results, and demonstrations.   

• Demonstrable success in team-based environments and ability to independently identify and solve challenging technical problems.   

• Demonstrable commitment to ethical and professional values as well as maintain compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality standards.   

Preferred Qualifications: 

You may have some of the following preferred qualifications, though none are required:  

• The applicant should have the ability to work creatively and cooperatively as a member of an interdisciplinary research team and demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills to support team building, partnering, and leadership. 

• Candidate should be highly organized, self-motivated and possess strong interpersonal skills (both oral and written) to support regular interactions with Laboratory staff, sponsors, industry, and academia. 

• Excellent communication skills for presentation of methodology, results, and demonstrations. 

• Industry, research and development, or academic experience, especially in the fields of building energy efficiency.  
• Familiarity with low-income energy efficiency programs or policies related to energy and environmental justice.  

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

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 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 or call 1.866.963.9545.

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.