Postdoctoral Researcher

About the Role

This postdoctoral researcher role focuses on developing expertise in lifecycle analysis (LCA) and technoeconomic analysis (TEA) for key U.S. industries. The position involves contributing to two significant laboratory efforts:

• Identifying cost-effective technologies for critical minerals recycling from electronics wastes, directly informing the U.S. Department of Energy’s approach to e-waste.
• Supporting manufacturers and water utilities in setting long-term targets for energy and water efficiency improvements over a ten-year period.

The ideal candidate will leverage their experience to drive quantifiable impacts across industries such as chemical production, forest products, and critical minerals. This role is situated within the Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Key Responsibilities

• Perform quantified lifecycle analysis and technoeconomic analysis with minimal direction.
• Utilize primary equipment data from ORNL and industrial partners to quantify costs, energy use, and other relevant factors.
• Disseminate research findings through multiple peer-reviewed journal articles annually.
• Prioritize and execute multiple research projects simultaneously to meet strategic goals and deliverables.
• Report regularly to research staff and project sponsors on project status.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to implementing and perpetuating values and ethics.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Business, or a related discipline, obtained within the last five years.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate to an international scientific audience.
• Ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to set priorities, accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.
• 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.

Appointment Details

• The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension, subject to performance and funding availability.

Special Requirements

• Physical Requirements: A pre-hire physical will be required after an offer.
• Security, Credentialing and Eligibility:
• A Real ID compliant form of identification is required.
• Employment is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card (requires favorable post-employment background investigation and Federal Tier 1 background check).
• Declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year (including marijuana and cannabis derivatives) is required for the background investigation.
• Foreign national candidates residing in the U.S. for less than three consecutive years may need to obtain a Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination.