Postdoctoral Research Associate - Weatherization Assistance Program
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.
The Integrated Building Performance Group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Research position in a research project being conducted by ORNL for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) related to residential building weatherization and indoor air quality.
ORNL has been tasked by the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to perform a research study to investigate the safety of weatherizing homes with existing vermiculite insulation. Vermiculite insulation has a high potential of being contaminated with asbestos. The program has no data on the actual impact of conducting blower door tests or the installation of energy conservation measures on asbestos levels in homes with existing vermiculite insulation. Questions include: Does blower door testing increase asbestos levels in homes with existing vermiculite insulation? Is there a way to safely insulate over existing vermiculite insulation without impacting indoor asbestos levels and/or occupant and worker health? A field study is being conducted to measure indoor asbestos levels in homes with existing vermiculite insulation before, during, and after the process of home weatherization (including blower door testing). The study results will be used by DOE to develop additional guidance on strategies to address asbestos contamination in vermiculite insulation (i.e., how to better approach the weatherization of homes with existing vermiculite insulation, including precautions needed, avoidance criteria, etc.).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
Your assignment will be to assist ORNL WAP program manager and the Principal Investigator in conducting the vermiculite study.
You will be responsible for assisting with:
- Implementing the study experimental plan by working with and contracting with states, local weatherization agencies, asbestos contractors, and other stakeholders
- Working with legal representatives for creating subcontract documents
- Helping with data collection coordination effort and ensuring the quality of all study data, including keeping track of data collection logistics
- Monitoring, analyzing and interpreting the data
- Drafting scientific and technical publications and a final report
- Providing periodic progress reports to the sponsor and the weatherization network
- Proposing improvements regularly on workflow processes to increase efficiency
- Meeting with and presenting results to sponsors, peer reviewers, and others
- Periodic travel is required for this position. You will be involved in meetings with multiple states, local weatherization agencies, and asbestos contractors to provide training and observe work. You will also attend key conferences and workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers in the group including but not limited to projects involving weatherization policy, non-energy benefits, software development and airflow modeling.
Basic Qualifications:
- A PhD in Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years
- Education and prior hands-on experience related to indoor air quality, air monitoring, and air sample collection and analysis methods focused towards aerosols
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and experience with programming in at least one programming language among Python, R, SAS, Matlab, Minitab or OriginPro
- Proficiency in Microsoft Windows environment including MS Excel, Word and Power Point
- Experience with at least one reference management software like Mendeley, Zotero or EndNote
- Knowledge of building science and ventilation systems related to residential buildings
- Familiarity with weatherization practices and diagnostics
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever 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. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.
Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.
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.