Postdoctoral Research Associate - Multifunctional Equipment Integration (Materials)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

9d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher who will focus on the development of innovative processes and technology that can be applied to buildings and the grid. This position resides in the Multifunctional Equipment Integration Group in the Thermal Systems Science Section, Buildings and Transportation Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). 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.

Requirements

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline completed in the last five years.
• Strong hands-on experience in experimental research, including materials synthesis, device fabrication, instrumentation, experimental setup development, and advanced characterization techniques.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in advanced functional materials, including polymer composites, dielectric materials, thermal interface materials, and multifunctional materials.
• Expertise in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermal sciences, and thermal management.
• Expertise in nanofluids, phase-change materials, and advanced cooling technologies.
• Expertise in membranes, adsorption/sorption, separation processes.
• Experience in AI/ML for materials discovery and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, coordinate, and report results on complex research related to advanced electrical insulation materials, advanced cooling solutions for energy systems, thermal management for electronics and data centers, and separation processes for building environments.
• Develop experimental setup, problem-solving, conduct experimental campaigns, perform materials synthesis and analysis, sub-component fabrication, process optimization and integration, and prepare technical documents and research publications.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner fashion.
• Help the team goals and work with other team members.
• Interact and collaborate with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and industry.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Benefits

• Medical and retirement plans
• Flexible work hours
• 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
• Employee Discounts

What This Job Offers

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