Postdoctoral Position in Chemical Engineering

Requisition Id 9656 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace. ORNL is nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with an abundance of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities on the surrounding lakes, rivers, and trails.  Staff enjoy a four-season climate and affordable living in the Oak Ridge/Knoxville area which has a lively music, theater, and restaurant scene.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Chemical Process Scale Up Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of staff across ORNL.  The successful candidate will be expected to interface with collaborating scientists at other national labs, industry, and universities.

This position seeks to fill a research role in chemical processes and energy systems with an expert in computational modeling and simulation theory and application. Preference is given to candidates with expertise in the modeling and analysis of chemical processes and systems over a wide range of scales. The successful candidate will conduct research independently but collaboratively primarily in reactor scale modelling and chemical kinetic modelling. Experience with commercial chemical reactor modeling packages (COMSOL, STARCCM/gPROMS, Fluent, Barracuda etc.), open-source codes (OPENFOAM), and/or MFiX will all be considered favorably.  Direct experience modeling fixed bed, moving bed, fluid bed or riser-based chemical reactors and working knowledge of both finite volume and finite element methods will be a positive.

Candidates should have a demonstrated record of technical accomplishment in the field of modeling and simulation and defining and implementing research visions that unify and guide the activities of multi-disciplinary researchers. Experience with validation of models and working with experimentalist is also of interest.  The chosen candidate is expected to contribute to major programs in the areas of biomass conversion to fuels and co-products, chemical manufacturing, CO2 capture and utilization, and other clean energy chemical processes.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct pioneering research in modeling and simulation of complex chemical processes including catalyst systems, chemical processes, and thermochemical/electrochemical conversion processes for renewable clean energy
• Contribute to new projects and extended proposals beyond the scope of currently sponsored project(s)
• Possess excellent communication skills and be able to proactively communicate with other scientists/engineers internally and externally to build the teams
• Be responsible for preparing, presenting, and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in key peer-reviewed journals
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science with experience in modeling and simulation of applied engineering processes and systems, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• A record in modeling and simulation research as evidenced through peer-reviewed journal publications, patents, or industry/commercial impact
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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