Research Scientist - Materials & Manufacturing Modeling

Requisition Id15869

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Research Professional in simulation area to directly contribute to materials development and manufacturing R&D, with a focus onbiobased materials, polymer and chemical processing, materials formulation, critical mineral separations and process technologies. Simulation, modeling, modern AI/ML and emerging technologies techniques will be used tosupportand deepen domain insight, guide experiments, and accelerate scale-up.

The role emphasizestight coupling between materials science, chemistry, and manufacturing, supported by:

• Multiscale modeling (material (molecular) process manufacturing (scale up))
• Data-informed experimentation
• Selective use of AI/ML and big-data techniques where they add real value

This position is partially supported by theUniversity of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute(UT-ORII), and resides in the Composite Science and Technology Section in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at ORNL.

More About UT-ORII:

UT-ORII is a strategic partnership between ORNL and the University of Tennessee designed to develop interdisciplinary leaders in energy, science, and technology. Leveraging a 75+ year UT-ORNL collaboration, UT-ORII supports convergent research, joint institutes, interdisciplinary PhD programs, and leadership development that strengthen U.S. competitiveness in emerging industries. University of Tennessee - Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (utorii.com). UT-ORII's overall goal is to become a center for convergent research and talent development, helping maintain US prominence as a global innovation leader and providing tangible benefits to Tennessee.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conductmaterials- and chemistry-centered researchin sustainable manufacturing, including polymers, biobased and biological materials, chemical formulations, separations, and recycling systems.
• Applysimulation and modeling(e.g., molecular modeling, process modeling, multiscale approaches) to support materials development and manufacturing process understanding.
• UseAI, machine learning, and data-driven methods as enabling toolsto accelerate experimentation, optimize processes, and extract insight from complex datasets.
• Design and executeexperiments informed by modeling and simulation, ensuring tight integration between computation and physical systems.
• Advancemanufacturing-relevant materials workflows, from formulation and processing to scale-up and deployment.
• Collaborate withinmultidisciplinary polymer and process teamsspanning materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
• Buildstrong collaborative linkswith ORNL's digital manufacturing, AI, and HPC researchers (e.g., joint modeling or AI-enabled studies), while remaining embedded in applied polymer and process team.
• Work with industry partners to translate fundamental materials and manufacturing science intoapplied and scalable solutions.
• Lead and contribute toproposal development and executionfor DOE and industry-sponsored research.

• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. inmaterials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, biological materials, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise inmaterials development, molecular-level chemistry, and/or manufacturing science.
• Experience withsimulation or modelingrelevant to materials or manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge ofdata-driven methods, AI, or machine learningas applied tools (not necessarily as a primary research discipline).
• Strong programming or computational skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) sufficient to support modeling and data analysis.
• Familiarity withmanufacturing processes, materials processing, or scale-up considerations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience withmultiscale modeling, molecular simulation, or process modeling in materials or manufacturing contexts.
• Experience applyingAI/ML or big-data approachesto materials development, process optimization, recycling, or separations.
• Knowledge ofbiobased materials, polymers, chemical processing, or recycling systems.
• Familiarity withhigh-performance computing (HPC)environments.
• Experience collaborating withnational laboratories, industry, or government agencies.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively inembedded, domain-focused research teams

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.

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.