Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI and CFD

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division (NEFCD) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to assist in the development, qualification, and deployment of AI agents and models, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation codes, and Finite Element Method (FEM) based tools for nuclear energy (fission and fusion) applications. The position is part of the Multiphysics CFD Applications group, focusing on the development and application of models and simulations for energy production and nuclear systems.

Requirements

• A PhD or equivalent experience in nuclear, mechanical, or chemical engineering, engineering physics, or related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with Python, C, and/or C++ applied programming.
• Demonstrated experience in applying and extending CFD codes for application to nuclear, or similarly complex, thermal energy systems.
• Experience with open-source CFD codes such as OpenFOAM or Nek5000, and/or commercial CFD codes such as STAR-CCM+, ANSYS or COMSOL.
• Knowledge of finite element simulations methods.
• Experience using parallel Linux computing platforms, parallel job submission scripts, common software repository tools (e.g., GitHub), and parallel visualization software (e.g., Paraview).

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to developing agentic workflows.
• Code development using Git repositories, GPU computing.
• Development of agentic workflows for scientific applications.
• AI methods for CFD and FEM; multiphysics code integration.
• Experience with open-source fusion engineering codes (FESTIM, VertexCFD, OpenMC, etc).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop next-generation CFD methods (with finite volume and finite element techniques) and models for a variety of nuclear energy systems, using world-leading high-performance computing platforms.
• Perform large-scale simulations of fission and fusion systems employing models for turbulence, heat transfer, magnetohydrodynamics, etc.
• Employ finite element tools for tritium transport simulations in fusion devices.
• Support coordinated multi-physics simulations of fission reactor core, fusion device blankets, and other system components.
• Develop reduced-order calibration approaches and apply machine learning and Bayesian calibration methods to enable multi-scale, multi-physics model development.
• Complete simulation verification, model validation, uncertainty quantification, and documentation.
• Optimize system and component designs for performance and safety.
• Develop agentic workflows for scientific computing.
• Author peer-reviewed papers, technical reports for internal and external release and represent the organization by giving technical presentations to DOE program managers and in large public forums.

Benefits

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• on-site fitness
• banking
• cafeteria facilities
• 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
• Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree