Postdoctoral Research Associate - Electrical Machines and Drives

Requisition Id 14005 

Overview:  

The Electrical Drives Research Group in Buildings and Transportation Science Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking applicants for a post-doctoral R&D Associate position to conduct research on Artificial Intelligence and machine learning (AI&ML) applications to EV drivetrain diagnostics and prognosis.

The successful candidate will be capable of developing ML models, performing modeling, simulating, designing and optimizing algorithms for successful implementation of preventive diagnostics and prognosis of EV drivetrains. The primary focus will be on predicting the motor, and converters and inverter faults.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct R&D projects focused on the application of AI and ML techniques to develop preventive diagnostics and prognosis algorithms for EV motors, converters, and inverters, ensuring high reliability and efficiency in EV drivetrain systems.
• Develop advanced mathematical frameworks for diagnostics and prognosis models, integrating signal processing techniques (e.g., wavelets, Hilbert Transforms) to enhance model accuracy and predictive capability.
• Translate frameworks into detailed software architecture using modeling languages like SysML and work closely with software engineering teams to implement these architectures into scalable and efficient diagnostic algorithms in Python.
• Extensive validation and testing of diagnostic and prognosis algorithms, ensuring robustness and reliability in real-world applications, and conducting rigorous performance assessments.
• Integrate AI/ML techniques with signal processing methods to develop robust, real-time diagnostics and prognosis models for EV traction systems, ensuring cutting-edge fault detection capabilities.
• Contribute to the expansion of R&D efforts by proactively identifying new AI/ML applications in EV drivetrain diagnostics and preparing high-quality proposals for both internal and external funding agencies.
• Present research findings and technical innovations at prominent conferences (IEEE, SAE) and meetings, while preparing high-quality reports, publications, and proposals to communicate research outcomes effectively to sponsors, industry partners, and peers.
• Travel as necessary to collaborate with external partners, present research findings, and engage with industry leaders to promote the adoption and commercialization of advanced diagnostic technologies.
• 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:

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering with a focus on electric motors, drives, or related areas such as power electronics or controls completed within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AI/ML techniques and their application in preventive diagnostics and prognosis for motors and drives, particularly in the automotive or electric vehicle sector.
• Proficiency in software architecture development and modeling tools such as SysML, as well as strong Python programming skills, with a proven ability to implement complex diagnostic algorithms.
• Familiarity with signal processing techniques, such as wavelets, Fourier transforms, and Hilbert transforms, and their integration into diagnostics and prognosis algorithms for fault detection.
• Experience with extensive validation and testing of algorithms, ensuring robustness, accuracy, and reliability in real-world applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Proven ability to prepare and secure funding through the development of high-quality proposals to internal and external agencies, with experience in writing technical reports and presenting results to diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, demonstrated through publications in prestigious peer-reviewed journals and presentations at leading international conferences.
• Strong publication record in prestigious international conferences and journals, with demonstrated ability to contribute innovative research findings to the field of EV diagnostics and AI/ML applications.
• Commitment to scientific integrity and the ability to uphold high ethical standards in research and collaboration.
• Willingness to travel as necessary to support R&D efforts, present research findings, and collaborate with external partners.

Some travel will be required for this position.

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.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may 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

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 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

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.