Postdoctoral Researcher - Techno-economic Modelling of Thermal Energy Systems

Postdoctoral Researcher – Techno-economic Modelling of Thermal Energy Systems

Location:

CO - Golden

Position Type:
Postdoc (Fixed Term)

Hours per Week: 40

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado and is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. The laboratory accelerates energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration, focusing on foundational science, applied engineering, and analysis to deliver secure and cost‑effective energy solutions that strengthen U.S. industries and promote economic growth.

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) seeks a postdoctoral researcher in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. The candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team in the Thermal Energy Sciences Group within the Energy Conversion and Storage Center, studying geothermal power, solar thermal power, and underground thermal energy storage (UTES). The role involves collaboration with other NLR centers, national laboratories, universities, and industry partners.

• Develop technical and cost models of components such as compressors, turbines, chillers, heat exchangers, liquid storage tanks, and thermal storage systems.
• Develop system models for power cycles, heat pumps, data center energy systems, and combined heat and power systems.
• Create methods to assess system value.
• Write technical reports, contribute to project review meetings, and publish research in peer‑reviewed conferences and high‑impact scientific journals.

• Recent PhD graduate (within the last three years).

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in thermodynamic and heat transfer modeling.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, C++; version control with Subversion or Git.
• Track record of research and publications in thermal systems, energy storage, and/or power cycle research.
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills, demonstrating creativity, independence, innovation, and adaptability.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

• Proficiency with energy modeling tools such as System Advisor Model or REopt.
• Experience with software such as IPSEpro, other process simulation tools, or Engineering Equation Solver.
• Modeling experience in power generation and energy storage, and knowledge of geothermal, solar thermal, or thermal energy storage technologies.

Annual Salary Range: $76,600 – $126,400 (full‑time, 40 hours per week).

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short‑term disability; pension; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; paid time off and sick leave; and paid holidays. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

All employees must obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card. This includes a favorable background investigation as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12).

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace in compliance with federal law. All employees must pass a pre‑employment drug test, which may include marijuana testing, unless prohibited by state or local law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Requests for reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the hiring process will be accommodated and non‑discriminatory.

All applicants will be subject to E‑Verify in accordance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements.