Postdoctoral Research Associate - Computational Solid Mechanics and AI/ML

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

19h

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct theoretical and computational solid mechanics research, including constitutive modeling, fracture and damage mechanics, and multiscale/multiphysics modeling of advanced materials and structural systems. The position is in the Nuclear Infrastructure Deployment and Optimization (NIDO) Group, Nuclear Science and Engineering Division (NSED), Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate (FFESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The work focuses on developing and applying computational models for constitutive behavior, fracture, damage, degradation, and multiscale/multiphysics material behavior, particularly in heterogeneous and quasi-brittle materials such as concrete. Applications include civil infrastructure, advanced construction technologies, nuclear structures, and other energy-related structural systems. The research also integrates physics-based computational mechanics with AI/ML, including physics-informed and hybrid modeling, surrogate modeling, and engineering data analytics.

The appointment is for up to 24 months, with potential for extension subject to performance and available funding. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. within the five years before applying and must complete all degree requirements before starting. The position involves physical requirements and working conditions, and a pre-hire physical is required after an offer. The employee must be able to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge; federal background investigation and access requirements apply. Two letters of reference are requested with the application.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours. Relocation assistance is available for certain positions. The laboratory has on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline, received within the past five years; all degree requirements must be completed before the appointment begins.
• Strong background in solid mechanics, including constitutive modeling, fracture mechanics, damage mechanics, or nonlinear material behavior.
• Demonstrated experience in computational mechanics, including finite element, discrete, mesoscale, or multiscale modeling approaches.
• Experience developing or applying numerical models for material or structural behavior.
• Scientific programming experience using Python, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience with Linux-based computational environments and scientific software development tools.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge and meet applicable federal credentialing and background investigation requirements.
• Two letters of reference must be submitted with the application.

Nice To Haves

• Strong background in computational fracture and damage mechanics, constitutive modeling, and heterogeneous or quasi-brittle materials.
• Experience with LDPM, lattice/discrete models, mesoscale mechanics, or related computational approaches.
• Experience with multiphysics finite-element frameworks such as MOOSE and high-performance computing.
• Knowledge of coupled mechanical, thermal, transport, and environmental degradation processes.
• Experience with AI/ML for engineering applications, particularly physics-informed or hybrid modeling, surrogate models, and scientific data analytics.
• Understanding of how experimental data can support the development, calibration, and validation of comprehensive computational models.
• Knowledge of concrete structural behavior, design principles, and relevant codes and standards.
• Experience with civil infrastructure, nuclear structures, advanced construction, or other energy-related structural systems.
• Research productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and ability to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary research projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter able to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced research environment, prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in theoretical and computational solid mechanics, including constitutive modeling, fracture and damage mechanics, and nonlinear material behavior.
• Develop and apply mesoscale, multiscale, discrete, and finite element models for heterogeneous materials and structural systems.
• Develop coupled multiphysics models incorporating mechanical, thermal, transport, and environmental effects on material degradation and long-term performance.
• Implement and extend computational models using multiphysics finite-element frameworks such as MOOSE and discrete/mesoscale approaches such as the Lattice Discrete Particle Model (LDPM).
• Apply computational mechanics to evaluate structural performance, design margins, and the significance of construction deviations in civil and nuclear infrastructure.
• Develop and apply AI/ML methods for engineering applications, including physics-informed and hybrid modeling, surrogate models, and data analytics.
• Use experimental and characterization data to develop, calibrate, and validate comprehensive computational models.
• Perform large-scale simulations using high-performance computing platforms, including model verification, validation, and uncertainty assessment.
• Collaborate with computational researchers, experimental scientists, structural engineers, and other domain experts across ORNL.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals, prepare technical reports, and present results at conferences and technical meetings.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL's core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and promote an equal-opportunity, respectful workplace.

Benefits

• Medical plans
• Retirement plans
• Flexible work hours
• On-site fitness facilities
• On-site banking facilities
• On-site 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