Postdoctoral Research Associate - Integrated Building Deployment and Analysis Group

Overview

We are seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate who will focus on high fidelity building energy modeling and advanced control. This position resides in the Integrated Building Deployment and Analysis Group in the BTSD, ESTD at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The IBDA group leads the development of innovative methods for residential and commercial whole-building energy performance and systems integration, deployment, and analysis in support of the DOE mission. Staff members lead and participate on teams focused on R&D and deployment of energy-efficient, demand-flexible, and affordable buildings for the DOE Building Technologies Office (BTO), the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), and Office of State and Community Energy Program (SCEP).

• Developing and validating high fidelity whole building energy modeling
• Performing experiments in a test facility and experimental data analysis
• Developing and deploying AI based advanced control and automated fault detection and diagnosis (AFDD) algorithms to buildings
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace — in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• A Ph.D degree in mechanical engineering, architecture, architectural engineering, or related field completed within the last five years.
• Experience in building energy modeling and analysis.
• Deep understanding of building thermal physics, HVAC systems, and building sensors and controls
• Expertise in whole building energy forward modeling (e.g., EPlus, Open Studio, DOE-2), calibration and validation with empirical datasets
• Experience in coding (Python) for building energy modeling and controls

• Expertise in modern optimal control techniques (e.g., AI based controls)
• High level of competence in coding and scripting
• Expertise in machine learning and big data analysis
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an…