Post Doc Research Associate - Building Research

Overview

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EI&BD) of PNNL is accelerating the transition to a decarbonized, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

This position is in the Building Simulation and Design Group (BS&DG) within PNNL's EI&BD. BS&DG models and analyzes the impacts of policies and standards to advance energy efficiency in new construction, develops tools and workflows, and deploys them to speed the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. The Group stewards core research capabilities in building energy simulations, building energy policy, tool development for building applications, and electrical systems engineering.

The BS&DG is looking for a Post Doctorate Research Associate - Building Research to support its research into building energy efficiency and building decarbonization.

Responsibilities

The Post Doc Research Associate will contribute to a number of high-impact applied research and analysis activities, such as:

• Residential and commercial prototype building models development using EnergyPlus

• Energy impacts analysis of building energy code compliance

• Implementation and compliance support of building performance standards

• Building energy system design for resilience

• Grid-interactive efficient building design and controls

• Urban-scale building modeling for building-to-grid research

• Development of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio and their associated tools

• Integrate Generative AI and machine learning in building design and energy modeling

• Collaborate on AI-Driven Research Initiatives

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building Sciences, or related fields.

• Advanced experience with whole building energy modeling for buildings with complex energy systems and controls.

• Experience with EnergyPlus is highly desirable; other modeling software experience may be considered (e.g. OpenStudio, eQuest).

• Solid background knowledge in building physics and building energy systems.

• Strong programming skills in Python, Ruby, R, or Perl.

• Independent design or research experience in one or more building energy systems (e.g. building envelope, HVAC, lighting, controls, and service hot water).

• Familiarity with advanced machine learning techniques and their applications in Natural Language Processing (NLP), image recognition, and predictive modeling.

• Skilled in applying Generative AI models, such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), and transformer-based architectures.

• Experience in working with Git repository.

• Development and implementation of containerized work-flow for institutional high-performance computing or cloud computing.

• Experience in leading the publications of technical reports and research papers.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong research and writing skills to develop research ideas and support documentation of research deliverables.

• A collaborative approach to problem-solving in areas that do not have clear or established solutions or outcomes and the ability to work well with inter-disciplinary and geographically distributed teams.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Additional Information

Anticipating this position will be up to one year duration, at which point the candidate will be reviewed for potential conversation to a full-time employee.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at ~~~ .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. 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.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

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