Postdoctoral Research Associate - CFD and Thermal Hydraulics

Requisition Id 13757 

Overview:

The Advanced Reactor Engineering and Development (ARED) Section in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division (NEFCD) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to assist in the development, qualification, and deployment of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation codes, methods, and standard processes for thermal-hydraulics analyses of energy systems.

The position is part of the Thermal Hydraulics group. They develop and use models and simulations for energy production and industrial applications.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and develop next-generation CFD and thermal-hydraulics methods and models for a variety of nuclear reactor, or thermal energy systems, using world-leading high-performance computing platforms

• Perform large-scale multiphase Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations of reactor cores, heat exchangers, pumps, pressurizers, and condensers

• Support coordinated multi-physics simulations of reactor core, and other system components

• Develop reduced-order calibration approaches and apply machine learning and Bayesian calibration methods to enable multi-scale, multi-physics model development

• Complete simulation verification, model validation, uncertainty quantification, and documentation

• Optimize system and component designs for performance and safety

• Author peer reviewed papers, technical reports for internal and external release and represent the organization by giving technical presentations in large public forums.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD or equivalent experience in nuclear, mechanical, or chemical engineering, engineering physics, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

• Demonstrated experience in applying and extending CFD codes for application to nuclear, or similarly complex, thermal energy systems.

• Experience with commercial CFD codes such as STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Workbench or COMSOL Multiphysics, open-source CFD codes such as OpenFOAM or Nek5000, optimization and generative design tools such as HEEDS, and/or the Dakota or RAVEN uncertainty quantification tools.

• Experience with FORTRAN, C, and/or C++ applied programming.

• Knowledge of Python, Java, or other scripting languages.

• Experience using parallel Linux computing platforms, parallel job submission scripts, common software repository tools, and parallel visualization software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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 with a Ph.D. or equivalent experience, obtained no more than five years prior to the date of application, and who have fulfilled all degree requirements before starting the appointment, are eligible. The appointment will initially be for up to 24 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

About ORNL:

With an 80-year history, ORNL is a DOE Office of Science national laboratory known for solving major problems. We have over 6,000 dedicated and creative staff members. Our vision for DEIA aims to foster diversity in ideas and people, making ORNL a top workplace for scientific discoveries and solutions.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate outstanding 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 or call 1.866.963.9545.

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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.