Postdoctoral Research Associate - Multifunctional Equipment Integration

Requisition Id16602

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher who will focus on conducting, coordinating, and reporting complex research assignments related to advanced thermal and energy system technologies. This position resides in the Multifunctional Equipment Integration Group in the Thermal System Science Research Section, Buildings and Transportation Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting, coordinating, and reporting complex research assignments related to advanced thermal and energy system technologies, including experimental and analytical research, development of experimental facilities, laboratory and field testing, thermodynamic analysis, system modeling, and performance assessments. The role involves analysis of experimental and modeling results, identifying technical challenges, developing solutions, and providing recommendations for system improvement.

The researcher will prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and project deliverables for sponsors and stakeholders. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and engagement with researchers, engineers, and stakeholders from universities, national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry are essential. The researcher will also promote ORNL's mission and core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, fostering a respectful workplace.

• Conduct experimental and analytical research to evaluate advanced thermal and energy technologies, including energy‑efficient building systems, thermal‑fluid processes, industrial heating applications, data center thermal management, and other emerging energy technologies.
• Develop and operate experimental facilities, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems; conduct laboratory and field testing; and perform thermodynamic analysis, system modeling, and performance assessments.
• Analyze and interpret experimental and modeling results, identify technical challenges, develop solutions, and provide recommendations for system improvement.
• Prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and project deliverables for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and engage with researchers, engineers, and stakeholders from universities, national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

• PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline obtained within the last five years.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in (a) design and operation of experimental thermal/fluid systems, (b) mechanical systems and instrumentation, (c) fluid dynamics, combustion, and heat transfer.

• Experience with building energy modeling and simulation tools such as Energy Plus or similar platforms, including model development, calibration, and application.
• Experience with computational methods including steady‑state modeling, dynamic simulation, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to support system design and performance optimization.
• Experience in data center thermal management technologies, including air cooling, liquid cooling, direct‑to‑chip cooling, immersion cooling, two‑phase cooling, waste heat recovery, thermal energy storage, or cooling system optimization.
• Innovative thinking and problem solving.
• Proven publication record.
• Experience with heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning (HVAC) equipment is also a plus.
• 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…