Postdoctoral Associate - Cycle Assessment Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies

Postdoctoral Associate - Life Cycle Assessment Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies

Join Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) as a Postdoctoral Associate in its Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Research & Analysis (MEERA) Group. This role focuses on environmental life cycle assessment (LCA), technoeconomic optimization, and industrial energy‑efficiency and production optimization of advanced manufacturing technologies.

The MEERA Group within the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) supports a multi‑laboratory Department of Energy (DOE) Strategic Analysis Team. The team conducts independent, objective, and credible research to inform decision‑making, using techno‑economics, value‑chain, trade, patent, and global competitiveness analysis relevant to advanced manufacturing. The group develops industrial energy‑efficiency tools and resources that are delivered through technical assistance and training worldwide.

The Postdoctoral Associate will support strategic analysis and modeling of advanced materials, supply chains, and manufacturing technologies for DOE program offices. Recent projects focus on DOE’s Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technology Office (AMMTO) and Industrial Technologies Office (ITO), covering smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, carbon‑fiber and composites, the energy‑water nexus, data centers, and water & wastewater sectors.

• Conduct independent research in life cycle assessment (LCA), technoeconomic analysis (TEA), and industrial energy‑efficiency optimization to support DOE Strategic Analysis and Industrial Energy‑Efficiency Programs.
• Perform techno‑economic optimization and scenario analysis of manufacturing competitiveness, technology pathways, and trade‑offs among cost, energy use, emissions, and resource efficiency.
• Analyze manufacturing supply chains and value chains—including trade, patent landscapes, and global competitiveness—to assess drivers of U.S. manufacturing location decisions and reshoring opportunities.
• Align research with DOE program priorities such as smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, advanced materials (carbon‑fiber and composites), energy‑water nexus, data centers, and water‑and‑wastewater sectors.
• Prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and briefings for DOE sponsors, laboratory leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Promote ORNL’s mission by aligning with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Foster an inclusive workplace and support equal opportunity.

• PhD in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental or chemical engineering, or related fields completed within the last five years.
• Strong quantitative and analytical research background applicable to advanced manufacturing technologies and systems.
• Experience with life‑cycle energy and cost assessments for manufacturing technology evaluations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present technical material to sponsors and prepare reports, proposals, and publications.

• Background in sustainable manufacturing technologies with an emphasis on circular‑economy research.
• Experience with genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks.
• Experience in manufacturing process modeling of advanced technologies.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard modeling and simulation tools, including spreadsheet‑based process cost modeling, input/output modeling, and commercial LCA tools such as Sima Pro, open
  
  LCA, and GREET.
• Strong interpersonal skills to support team building and leadership, coupled with a commitment to scientific integrity.

Limited travel will be required for this position.

To be employed at ORNL, a Real‑ form of identification is required. Employees must obtain and maintain a federal PIV card as mandated by HSPD‑12 and DOE Order 473.1A, following a favorable post‑employment background investigation. New employees must pass a Federal Tier 1 background check, including a declaration of any illegal drug activities within the last year.

Foreign nationals residing in the U.S. for less than three consecutive years are not eligible for the PIV credential and will need to obtain a local site‑specific risk determination to maintain employment. After meeting the residency requirement, a PIV credential will be required.

ORNL is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. OTNL is an E‑Verify employer.