Energy Technology System Engineer and Analyst - Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an opening for a highly qualified and motivated Energy Technology Engineer and Analyst Postdoctoral Researcher to join us to solve critical climate change problems. You will work with a diverse group of scientists and engineers supporting LLNL’s Carbon Initiative within the Global Security (GS) Directorate’s Energy and Homeland Security Program. You will analyze and assess the impact of innovative and complex energy technologies integrated with carbon removal systems associated with achieving greater efficiency, optimization, and sustainability. This position is in the Computational Engineering Division (CED). within the Engineering Directorate.

In this role you will

• Conduct conceptual design, process modeling, system integration of different chemical engineering processes to optimize system’s energy efficiency and carbon removal efficiency.
• Simulate kinetics-based reactor modeling to help design and scale up reactors for novel materials, predicting system behaviors and provide guidance for experimental designs.
• Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of various sustainable technologies such as carbon capture, biomass conversion to various products, hydrogen production and storage, battery storage and create strategies to technology scale-up and commercialization.
• Conduct system-level analysis of the feasibility of implementation of technology solutions including evaluation of the supply chain and system linkages.
• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of original research to solve defined problems.
• Collaborate effectively with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Pursue independent (and complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at conferences, seminars, and meetings.
• Travel as needed to coordinate with research collaborators and visit field sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in engineering (e.g., chemical, mechanical, civil or environmental), relevant scientific discipline (e.g., chemistry, physics, material science), or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Knowledge of process modeling, kinetics-based reactor modeling, thermodynamics and separation processes, techno-economic and lifecycle assessment geospatial analysis, analytic computational modeling, and simulation.
• Knowledge and experience in one or more key areas: energy systems, industrial chemical engineering systems, or carbon management systems.
• Ability to perform independent research. Demonstrated ability to undertake original research and communicate findings in peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and project managers to develop and apply these capabilities, and to inform engineering decisions.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Engineering experiences with pilot, demonstration, or commercialization scale engineering projects.
• Experience in technology commercialization.
• Knowledge and experience in carbon accounting and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in chemical process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, BioSTEAM).

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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