Postdoctoral Research Associate - Industrial Energy Efficiency

Requisition Id14977

Overview:

The Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Research & Analysis (MEERA) Group, housed within the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at ORNL is currently seeking to fill a position for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This role entails contributing to MEERA group's mission of disseminating knowledge on energy, carbon, water, and material efficiency in the manufacturing sector and develop, deploy, and promote impactful practices, tools, and technologies. You should have a strong background in mechanical engineering, industrial energy systems, energy efficiency of manufacturing industry, or other related fields. You will play a crucial role in the planning, execution, and optimization of our technical assistance program for energy intensive industries (iron & steel, food, pulp & paper, chemicals, nonferrous metals, and nonmetallic minerals). The primary objective of the Energy-Intensive Industries (EII) program is to engage with manufacturers from these sectors to better understand their specific needs and challenges in implementing energy efficiency, enhancing competitiveness, and improving energy resilience. You will work closely with program allies, subject matter experts and technical trade associations to ensure successful delivery of technical assistance to energy intensive manufacturing participants.

The MEERA Group actively contributes to the efforts of the Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Office (ITO) by providing technical assistance. This role supports the ITO's vision of driving energy savings and improving energy productivity that can have broader impact across the energy intensive industries, which leads to cost savings, greater resilience, a strengthened workforce, and increased global competitiveness.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

You will contribute to the efforts on research and analysis of technologies and practices for increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint of the energy intensive sector.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and industry partners to understand sector-specific energy efficiency and emissions reduction challenges.
• Conduct systems-level analyses of industrial energy use and process efficiency.
• Support the design, execution, and evaluation of technical assistance efforts tailored to EII needs.
• Liaise with technical trade associations, program allies, and subject matter experts to ensure effective outreach and implementation.
• Develop technical reports, case studies, tools, and methodologies that support DOE's mission and amplify knowledge transfer.
• Contribute to the strategic goals of the DOE's Industrial Technologies Office (ITO) by informing and advancing national initiatives aimed at achieving energy productivity, cost savings, workforce development, and global industrial leadership.
• Develop monthly program impact reports to share the status and findings of the program with DOE program manager.
• 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:

• PhD inenergy engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering,or a related field completed within the last five years.
• A strong foundation in manufacturing energy use, process systems, or industrial emissions reduction technologies.
• Possess an excellent quantitative and analytical background acquired through PhD research, which can be applied to conduct research analyses on applicable energy efficiency and emissions reduction technologies for energy intensive sectors.
• Willingness to travel. Candidate will be expected to travel to EII program participants manufacturing sites to represent DOE during technical assistance activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrate a profound understanding of industrial energy efficiency and emissions reduction technologies. Previous industry experience in energy intensive sectors or related sector is a plus.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or other certifications in the field of energy efficiency.
• Familiarity with industrial processes, building science, heating and cooling technologies, and mechanical systems and controls.
• Familiarity with numerical calculation and statistical data analysis techniques.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrated through weekly presentations to sponsors and others, and in preparing reports, proposals, and journal articles.
• Robust interpersonal skills for effective team building and leadership, coupled with a strong commitment to scientific integrity.
• Eagerness to acquire new skills and explore new areas.
• Proficiency in using Excel for engineering data analysis.
• 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.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their PhD 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.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may 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

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.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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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.