Postdoctoral Research Associate - Multifunctional Equipment Integration (Materials

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Multifunctional Equipment Integration (Materials)

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will focus on the development of innovative processes and technology that can be applied to buildings and the grid. This position resides in the Multifunctional Equipment Integration Group in the Thermal Systems Science Section, Buildings and Transportation Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major duties/responsibilities include:

• Conduct, coordinate, and report results on complex research related to advanced electrical insulation materials, advanced cooling solutions for energy systems, thermal management for electronics and data centers, and separation processes for building environments.
• Develop experimental setup, problem-solving, conduct experimental campaigns, perform materials synthesis and analysis, sub-component fabrication, process optimization and integration, and prepare technical documents and research publications.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Help the team goals and work with other team members.
• Interact and collaborate with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and industry.
• 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.

Basic qualifications:

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline completed in the last five years.
• Strong hands-on experience in experimental research, including materials synthesis, device fabrication, instrumentation, experimental setup development, and advanced characterization techniques.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• 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.

Preferred qualifications:

• Expertise in advanced functional materials, including polymer composites, dielectric materials, thermal interface materials, and multifunctional materials.
• Heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermal sciences, and thermal management.
• Nanofluids, phase-change materials, and advanced cooling technologies.
• Membranes, adsorption/sorption, separation processes.
• Experience in AI/ML for materials discovery and process optimization would be a plus.

Special requirements:

• 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.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment.

These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience. Other benefits include the following:
Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.