Date: Aug 6, 2023

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 10925 

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 contribute to various ongoing High-Performance Computing for Energy Innovation (HPC4EI) projects by performing relevant, multiscale simulations, with specific focus on large scale phase field simulations of microstructure evolution during advanced processing of structural alloys. The position resides in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). CSED focuses on transdisciplinary computational science and analytics at scale to enable scientific discovery across the physical sciences, engineered systems, and biomedicine and health. It provides foundations and advances in quantum information sciences to enable quantum computers, devices, and networked systems. It develops community applications, data assets, and technologies and provides assurance to build knowledge and impact in novel, crosscut-science outcomes.

The candidatewill be a postdoctoral researcher withinthe Multiscale Materials (MM) group for Physical Sciences Section in CSED. The MM group is focused on delivering multiscale, multi-fidelity computational models and systems using algorithms and analytics for materials and related physical sciences for a broad range of energy, transportation, and advanced manufacturing applications.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Participate in modeling and simulations activities using in-house developed phase field codes related to the evolution of solidification microstructures during metal additive manufacturing, and solid-state phase transformations during rapid thermal processing.
  • Identify opportunities for code development and integration of additional physics in the existing phase field codes
  • Participate in data visualization, documentation, and verification and validation.
  • Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary research environment consisting of computational scientists conducting basic and applied research in support of the Laboratory’s missions.
  • Author peer reviewed papers, technical papers, and reports for internal and external release as well as represent the organization via technical presentations in workshops and conferences.
  • 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 Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
  • Experience in the development and application of the phase field method for solving moving boundary problems in metals and alloys

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong background in processing-microstructure development during thermal processing of metals and alloys
  • Familiarity with microstructure evolution simulation techniques at the microscopic length scale
  • Formal background in the thermodynamics and kinetics of structural alloys
  • Background in code development especially related to microstructure-processing relationships in structural alloys
  • Experience with performing multi-physics simulations on high performance computing (HPC) platforms
  • Experience working in a multi-disciplinary research environment
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, a proven publication record, and effective interpersonal skills
  • 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

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.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, 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.

Special Requirements:

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Export control, no clearance:  This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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.

Apply now »

Leave a Reply