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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Sensor Network Optimization

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 31 Oct 2025

About the role

Requisition Id 15553 

 

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral researcher in data quality assessment and control and sensor network optimization who will focus on R&D of sensor network design. This position resides in the Sensors and Electronics Group in the Electrification Section, Electrification and Energy Infrastructures Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Develop models and software for the design and optimization of sensor networks in complex systems, such as water treatment systems
  • Develop physics-based and machine learning tools for detection, diagnosis, and correction of sensor faults
  • Report results in peer-reviewed publications
  • 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 degree in civil, chemical, or environmental engineering.
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in the use of Python for programming of data analytical models and algorithms

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with high-level programming environments, such as Python.
  • 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.

 

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.
  • ORNL will contact referees. Please add a list of at least 2 referees in your application with up-to-date affiliation and contact details.

 

Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
  • For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
  • Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
  • To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

 

For foreign national candidates:

  • If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
  • Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

 

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 ar

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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