What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate - Computational Methods for Kinetic Equations position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?
Requisition Id 15420
Overview:
The Multiscale Methods and Dynamics (MMD) Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking several qualified applicants for postdoctoral positions related to numerical methods for kinetic equations. Mathematical topics of interest include high-dimensional approximation, closure models, machine learning models, hybrid methods, structure preserving methods, and iterative solvers. Successful applications will work in applications related to gas dynamics, plasma physics, and radiation transport. The position comes with a travel allowance and access to advanced computing resources.
The MMD group is responsible for the design and development of numerical algorithms and analysis necessary for simulating and understanding complex, multi-scale systems. The group is part of the Mathematics in Computation (MiC) Section of the Computer Science and Mathematics (CSM) Division. CSM delivers fundamental and applied research capabilities in a wide range of areas, including applied mathematics and computer science, experimental computing systems, scalable algorithms and systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data management, workflow systems, analysis and visualization technologies, programming systems and environments, and system science and engineering.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
The position requires collaboration within a multi-disciplinary research environment consisting of mathematicians, computational and computer scientists, and domain scientists conducting basic and applied research in support of ORNL’s mission.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Participation in the development and analysis of new computational methodologies for scientific problems, often customized to complex and large-scale scientific applications
- Delivery and support of mathematical technologies for various scientific disciplines and applications
- Dissemination of research through peer-reviewed papers and technical reports, as well as seminar and conference presentations
- Active participation in professional organizations
Basic Qualifications:
- A PhD in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience in one more of the following areas:
- Mathematical methods for kinetic and/or fluid equations
- Multiscale problems and model reduction
- Modern machine learning software tools and frameworks
- Implementation of scalable numerical algorithms on HPC architectures
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Security Clearance
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.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
Instructions to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, and three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these documents directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line. For full consideration, please submit materials by November 1, 2025.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional 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.
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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.