Postdoctoral Research Associate Modeling Control and AI for Thermal Systems
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that conducts science and technology research in energy, national security, computing, materials, neutron science, isotopes, and related fields.
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL is the largest science and energy laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. Managed by UT-Battelle for DOE, it operates research infrastructure and user facilities, conducts applied and fundamental research, and currently advances AI-enabled scientific discovery alongside its energy and national-security missions.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will develop and validate physics-based, data-driven, and hybrid models for thermal systems. You will optimize HVAC, water-heating, and data-center cooling systems, implement control strategies, use sensor data, test algorithms, and apply AI for performance prediction and maintenance.
Requirements
- PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline obtained within the last five years
- Minimum of three years of experience modeling and optimizing complex engineering systems
- Understanding of thermal-fluid system architecture and component-level behavior
- Experience in control theory and control-system design
- Experience applying machine learning or AI to engineering systems
- Proficiency with Python, MATLAB/Simulink, and/or TensorFlow or PyTorch
- Experience with physics-based modeling
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Complete all degree requirements before starting
- Submit two letters of reference
- Obtain and maintain a federal PIV card or a favorable LSSO risk determination as applicable
Responsibilities
- Develop physics-based, data-driven, and hybrid models of thermal systems
- Validate models against experimental data
- Model thermal-system design, operation, and maintenance scenarios
- Analyze and improve HVAC, water-heating, and data-center cooling performance
- Integrate predictive and optimization techniques
- Design and implement advanced thermal-system control strategies
- Integrate real-time sensor data and telemetry into closed-loop controls
- Test and validate control algorithms
- Apply machine learning to predict performance and detect anomalies
- Develop AI-driven predictive-maintenance strategies
- Optimize system design parameters and operating conditions using AI and machine learning
Benefits
- Medical plans
- Retirement plans
- Flexible work hours
- On-site fitness facilities
- On-site banking facilities
- On-site cafeteria facilities
- Prescription drug plan
- Dental plan
- Vision plan
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Contributory pension plan
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- Vacation and holidays
- Parental leave
- Legal insurance with identity theft protection
- Employee assistance plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings accounts
- Wellness programs
- Relocation assistance
- Employee discounts