Postdoctoral Research Associate - Modeling of Chemical Reactor Systems for Clean Energy

Requisition Id 14215 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a post-doctoral researcher specializing in computational modeling of chemically reactive flow systems for bioenergy and clean energy applications. Research areas include reactor and process design for thermochemical conversion, heterogeneous catalysis, biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals, CO₂ capture and conversion, and gas-to-liquid applications. The research spans multiple scales, from fundamental scientific phenomena to technology development stages, with the goal of enabling commercial applications. This work will involve diverse reactor applications, including fixed-bed reactors, fluidized bed reactors, and novel reactor configurations.

 

Candidates with modeling and simulation experience in one or more of the following technical areas are encouraged to apply: (1) thermochemical reactors such as pyrolysis reactors, gasifiers, and combustion systems, (2) electrochemical conversion processes, (3) conversion of complex biomass and/or waste feedstocks, (4) catalytic conversion processes, (5) membrane or porous media for chemical separations, (6) reaction engineering and developing heterogenous kinetics (7) reactor design, scale up, and control. Experience with experimental methods is welcome but not necessary.

 

The position is in the Chemical Process Scale Up Group in the Manufacturing Sciences Division; however, you will collaborate with staff across ORNL as well as other scientists from national labs and industry. You will be expected to serve as the technical communicator at conferences and work together with a team to advance bioenergy and clean energy solutions.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced reactor models for a range of chemical processes, focusing on thermochemical, catalytic, electrochemical, and multi-phase reactive systems.
• Conduct process optimization to enhance reactor performance and efficiency, contributing to the scale-up and commercialization of bioenergy and clean energy technologies.
• Apply a strong understanding of catalytic processes to improve reaction mechanisms and conversion efficiency.
• Perform heat and mass transfer analysis within reactor systems to ensure optimal design and operational conditions.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to validate models and integrate simulation insights, supporting a coupled simulation-experiment approach.
• Communicate findings through publications, presentations, and project reviews to share progress with stakeholders.
• Publish and present findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, major conferences, and project review meetings, effectively communicating progress to stakeholders and advancing the field of chemical reactor modeling for sustainable energy solutions.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or an equivalent field completed within the last five years.
• 1-3 years experience in modeling and simulation of reactors or chemical processes
• A record of excellence in research as evidenced through peer-reviewed journal publications

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in computational fluid dynamic modeling
• Experience with modeling tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, STAR-CCM+, or Chemkin
• Proficiency in C++, MATLAB, or Python

 

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of ap