Postdoctoral Researcher - Techno-economic Modelling of Thermal Energy Systems

Job Title

Postdoctoral Researcher – Techno‑economic Modelling of Thermal Energy Systems

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work in the Thermal Energy Sciences Group within the Energy Conversion and Storage Center. The role focuses on modelling of geothermal power, solar thermal power, and underground thermal energy storage.

• Develop technical and cost models of individual components such as compressors, turbines, chillers, heat exchangers, liquid storage tanks, reservoir and borehole thermal energy storage.
• Create system models for power cycles, heat pumps, data‑center energy systems, and combined heat and power systems.
• Develop methods to assess system value.
• Write technical reports, contribute to project review meetings, and publish research results in peer‑reviewed conferences and high‑impact scientific journals.
• Document work in detailed technical records, maintain clean and safe work conditions, and perform work to the highest professional standards.

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field, completed within the last three years.
• Demonstrated experience in thermodynamic and heat‑transfer modelling of engineered systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++ and version‑control systems such as Subversion and Git.
• Track record of research and publications in thermal systems, energy storage, and/or power‑cycle research.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing, and documentation skills.

• Experience with energy‑modeling tools such as System Advisor Model or REopt.
• Familiarity with process simulation tools (e.g., IPSEpro) or Engineering Equation Solver.
• Knowledge of geothermal energy, solar thermal, and/or thermal‑energy‑storage principles and technologies.
• Experience in software‑development practices.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short‑term disability insurance.
• Retirement plan: pension and a 403(b) employee savings plan with employer match.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Potential eligibility for performance‑, merit‑, or achievement‑based awards.
• Relocation expense reimbursement (subject to eligibility).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

All candidates must be authorized to access Department of Energy restricted facilities per DOE rules and must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card. A drug‑free workplace policy is enforced.

Annual salary range (40 hours per week): $76,600 – $126,400.