Postdoctoral Research Associate - Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Requisition Id 14340 

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.

 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Research & Analysis (MEERA) Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to work in the areas of  renewable energy and the implementation of clean energy technologies on-site, along with their associated supportive technologies (such as solar photovoltaics, solar thermal systems, wind power, renewable fuels, geothermal solutions, battery storage, thermal storage, and industrial heat pumps). The role also involves research and analysis of technologies and practices for increasing the energy efficiency of the industrial sectors. The primary objective is the direct reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the industrial sector.

 

The MEERA Group actively contributes to the efforts of the Department of Energy’s Industrial Efficiency & Decarbonization Office (IEDO) in providing technical assistance. The focus of this assistance revolves around identifying and facilitating the deployment of on-site clean energy solutions. These solutions aim to generate energy that is both flexible and dependable, thereby contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions. Furthermore, these efforts align with the overarching goal of promoting corporate sustainability within the industrial sector.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Support technical assistance activities, including research and analysis of technologies and methodologies for onsite renewable energy systems.
• Conduct in-depth market analyses to identify opportunities for onsite energy technologies in the industrial sector.
• Compose technical reports, create presentations, and publish peer-reviewed papers
• Support the development of new resources, training, and tools to support companies participating in the DOE’s Better Plants program

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in a Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• Quantitative and analytical research background which can be applied to conduct research analysis on advanced manufacturing technologies and manufacturing systems that could achieve transformative gains in process productivity and enhance manufacturing sustainability
• Strong analytical capabilities with an experience in the area of life cycle energy and cost assessments for conducting manufacturing technology assessments

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• An educational background in sustainable manufacturing technologies with an emphasis on circular economy research
• Demonstrate an understanding of renewable and clean energy technologies including experience with industry and/or buildings, specifically with the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency management and projects
• excellent quantitative and analytical background acquired through research, which can be applied to conduct research analyses on on-site clean energy technologies
• Proficiency in using Excel, Python, R or similar tools for engineering data analysis is preferrable
• 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
• Willing to travel for key meetings, and attend key conferences and workshop