Research Scientist, Systems and Decision Sciences

Date: Mar 19, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 16128 

 

­­Overview:  

The Systems and Decision Sciences (SDS) Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated scientist to contribute to research in the areas of complex systems in support of the scientific mission of the Laboratory and of the Department of Energy. The role expects collaborations with scientists in interdisciplinary research projects within the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

 

The SDS Group consists of researchers focused on delivering computational solutions for the study of complex engineered systems using scalable architecture-aware algorithms coupled with artificial intelligence, applied mathematics and statistical sciences with an emphasis on applications relevant to the DOE mission space.

 

This position is within the Mathematics in Computation (MiC) Section in the Computer Science and Mathematics (CSM) Division. The MiC Section creates the mathematics and algorithms that harness machines, ideas, and data, to enable far reaching scientific breakthroughs. The CSM Division delivers fundamental and applied research capabilities in a wide range of areas, including applied mathematics and computer science, experimental computing systems, scalable algorithms and systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data management, workflow systems, analysis and visualization technologies, programming systems and environments, and system science and engineering. This position seeks a candidate with demonstrated experience in applied machine learning and computational data science for complex, safety-critical systems, with an emphasis on time-series anomaly detection, multivariate signal analysis and statistical evaluation methodology for cyber-physical security applications.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Responsibilities for this position include working closely with a project team to create, evaluate, and publish novel research ideas, supervise and mentor students, contribute to the grant-writing and securing process, and collaborating with our partners and sponsors. Research activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Formulating research initiatives that push the frontiers in the study of complex engineered systems.
  • Publishing papers in high-quality refereed conferences and journals.
  • Actively collaborating with industry, academia, government labs, and applications developers in a variety of venues.
  • Contributing to research proposals and reporting to major funding agencies.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. 

 

Basic Qualifications

  • Requires a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computational Sciences, Mathematics or a related discipline.
  • A minimum of two years of relevant research experience, beyond the Ph.D.
  • An established track record of research in an area relevant to one or more areas of expertise of the group.
  • Demonstrated impact in R&D projects via high-quality peer-reviewed publications, codebases, curated datasets, etc.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • A minimum of five years of relevant experience, beyond Ph.D.
  • Demonstrated research experience in the applications of graph-theoretic analysis, probabilistic approaches to complex systems, time-series analysis and multivariate signal analysis.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Effective interpersonal skills.

 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

For questions regarding applying to this position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov indicating the job requisition ID number. For technical questions related to this position, contact restrepojm@ornl.gov.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing 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.


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.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville