Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI and CFD

Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

Company

Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducts research and develops computational tools for nuclear energy, fission, fusion, and other scientific applications.

What you will do

• Develop, qualify, and deploy AI agents, CFD simulation codes, and FEM-based tools for nuclear energy applications.
• Develop CFD methods and models using finite volume and finite element techniques on high-performance computing platforms.
• Run large-scale fission and fusion simulations covering turbulence, heat transfer, magnetohydrodynamics, and tritium transport.
• Support coordinated multiphysics simulations of reactor cores, fusion-device blankets, and other system components.
• Develop reduced-order calibration approaches using machine learning and Bayesian calibration methods.
• Perform verification, validation, uncertainty quantification, documentation, technical presentations, and scientific publication.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent experience in nuclear, mechanical, or chemical engineering, engineering physics, or a related field, completed within the last five years.
• Programming experience with Python, C, and/or C++.
• Experience applying and extending CFD codes to nuclear or similarly complex thermal-energy systems.
• Experience with CFD tools such as OpenFOAM, Nek5000, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, or COMSOL.
• Knowledge of finite element simulation methods and experience with parallel Linux computing, job submission scripts, GitHub, and ParaView.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required HSPD-12 PIV credential or a favorable LSSO risk determination.

Nice to have

• Experience developing agentic workflows for scientific applications.
• GPU computing and Git-based code development experience.
• Experience with AI methods for CFD and FEM or multiphysics code integration.
• Experience with fusion engineering codes such as FESTIM, VertexCFD, or OpenMC.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and experience working independently in collaborative research teams.

Culture & Benefits

• Initial appointment of up to 24 months, with possible extension based on performance and funding.
• Medical, prescription, dental, vision, retirement, pension, life insurance, and disability benefits.
• Vacation, holidays, parental leave, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and wellness programs.
• Flexible work hours, educational assistance, employee discounts, and on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.
• Relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

Hiring process

• Submit a resume and three letters of reference.
• The position will close when a qualified candidate is identified and hired, after remaining open for at least five days.