Postdoctoral Researcher - Techno-economic Modelling of Thermal Energy Systems

Posting Title Postdoctoral Researcher - Techno-economic Modelling of Thermal Energy Systems.

Location

CO - Golden.

Position Type Postdoc (Fixed Term).Hours Per Week
40.Working at NLRNLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions.

Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is seeking to hire a postdoctoral candidate in mechanical engineering or a closely related field of study. The candidate will work with other engineers and scientists in the Thermal Energy Sciences Group within the Energy Conversion and Storage Center. The candidate will join a team of engineers and scientists studying thermal systems, including geothermal power, solar thermal power, and Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES).

Research will involve collaboration with other NLR centers, other national laboratories, universities, and industry.

This position requires advanced knowledge of simulation and optimization of engineered systems, with preference given to previous experience in the area of thermal systems such as geothermal, solar thermal, and thermal energy storage technologies. Research activities may include:

Developing technical and cost models of individual components, such as compressors, turbines, chillers, heat exchangers, liquid storage tanks, reservoir thermal energy storage, borehole thermal energy storage

Developing system models, such as power cycles, heat pumps, data center energy systems, combined heat and power systems

Developing methods to assess system value

Write technical reports, contribute to project review meeting, publish research results in peer-reviewed conferences and high-impact scientific journals.

The successful candidate will have completed coursework or have demonstrated experience related to heat transfer, thermodynamics, energy storage, computer programming, and thermal energy systems. Relevant experience can include thermodynamic power cycles, heat pumps or refrigeration, building energy modeling, or simulation of power systems.

Assumed responsibilities include close attention to documenting work in detailed technical records, maintaining clean and safe work conditions, conducting work with the highest professional standards, and presenting and publishing research in technical forums.

For more information on the types of projects performed by the group as well as a recent publication please review the following links. ..Basic Qualifications Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional

Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or closely related field of study.

Demonstrated experience in thermodynamic and heat transfer modeling is required.

Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, Matlab, C++. Proficiency with version control systems such as Subversion and Git.

The successful candidate will have a track record of research and publications in thermal systems, energy storage, and/or power cycle research.

The candidate must demonstrate a research capability to solve challenging problems, and have excellent interpersonal, communication, writing and documentation skills. This position requires creativity, independence, innovation, and adaptability.

Preferred Qualifications Proficiency with energy modeling tools such as System Advisor Model or REopt.

Experience with software such as IPSEpro (or other process simulation tools) or Engineering Equation Solver.

Modeling experience with power generation and energy storage is desired. Knowledge of geothermal energy, solar thermal, and/or thermal energy storage principles and technologies is beneficial, as is familiarity with software development tools and practices..Job Application Submission Window The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time…