Postdoctoral Research Associate - Industrial Onsite Energy

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Knoxville, TN

83d • Onsite

About The Position

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Research & Analysis (MEERA) Group within the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) and Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD). This role focuses on renewable energy implementation on-site, including technologies like solar photovoltaics, solar thermal systems, wind power, renewable fuels, geothermal solutions, battery storage, thermal storage, and industrial heat pumps. The position also involves researching and analyzing technologies and practices to enhance industrial energy efficiency. The primary objective is to provide direct technical assistance to industrial sites and other large energy users for installing electricity and thermal energy generation and storage technologies. The MEERA Group actively supports the Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Office (ITO) by helping American industrial and other large energy users reduce costs, implement onsite energy technologies, and improve resilience, security, and energy independence.

Requirements

• A PhD in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years.
• Quantitative and analytical research background which can be applied to conduct research analysis on advanced manufacturing technologies and manufacturing systems that could achieve transformative gains in process productivity and enhance manufacturing sustainability.
• Strong analytical capabilities with an experience in the area of life cycle energy and cost assessments for conducting manufacturing technology assessments.
• Applicants cannot have received their PhD more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.

Nice To Haves

• An educational background in sustainable manufacturing technologies with an emphasis on circular economy research.
• Demonstrate an understanding of renewable and onsite energy technologies including experience with industry and/or buildings, specifically with the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency management and projects.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical background acquired through research, which can be applied to conduct research analyses on on-site energy technologies.
• Proficiency in using Excel, Python, R or similar tools for engineering data analysis is preferable.
• 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.
• Willing to travel for key meetings, and attend key conferences and workshops.

Responsibilities

• Support technical assistance activities, including research and analysis of technologies and methodologies for onsite energy systems.
• Conduct in-depth market analyses to identify opportunities for onsite energy technologies in the industrial sector.
• Compose technical reports, create presentations, and publish peer-reviewed papers.
• Support the development of new resources, training, and tools to support companies participating in the DOE’s Better Plants program.
• 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
• 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
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

What This Job Offers

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