Posting Title

Researcher III – Computational Modeling of Multiphase Reacting Flows

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Location

CO - Golden

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Position Type

Limited Term (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NREL

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

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Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.

Job Description

The High-Performance Algorithms and Complex Fluids (HPACF) group in the Computational Science Center at NREL has an opening for a full-time researcher to support multiphase modeling projects pertaining to bioenergy conversion processes. The researcher will develop and apply state-of-the-art two-fluid/mixture computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to simulate reacting multiphase flows in aerated bioreactors and immobilized enzyme-based reactors. This computational modeling work will involve extending three-dimensional modeling capabilities within existing software packages such as OpenFOAM and reduced dimensional models using Cantera or other reacting flow packages. The researcher will also provide actionable guidance to experimental/industry partners on reactor operation and optimization.

Primary Duties Include:

• Configuring and executing simulations, specifically of aerobic fermentation and/or enzymatic systems.

• Work with collaborators at NREL and other potential partners (national laboratories, universities and industry) to identify appropriate computational models and simulations to efficiently address client needs.

• Add capabilities to existing CFD modeling tools as necessary to achieve project objectives in a timely fashion, including development of kinetic or mechanistic reaction models for enzymatic conversion.

• Effectively communicate and collaborate with researchers and engineers operating relevant reactor systems to define the requirements of the simulations/models, obtain necessary data as input for the simulation, and provide meaningful interpretation of the results to guide experiments, operations, and engineering designs.

• Work with management and senior staff to plan and design projects, determine technical objectives, and interact with and provide regular project reports to government and/or industrial clients.

• Disseminate knowledge through publications in technical journals and presentations at conferences, symposia, and review meetings. Provide reports on technical work and input to technical publications and presentations.

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Basic Qualifications

Relevant PhD. Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience. Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience . Demonstrates complete understanding and wide application of scientific technical procedures, principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Demonstrates leadership in one or more areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in management of projects. Very good technical writing, interpersonal and communication skills.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will be expected to make high impact contributions of direct relevance to developing uses of multiphase (bio)chemical reactions that leverage her/his expertise and demonstrated accomplishments in the following areas:

• Multiphase CFD using continuum models, and possibly the use of multiphase LES/RANS models.

• Strong grasp of numerical methods used in CFD and ability to implement them in new or existing C++ and/or Python based codes.

• Effective leveraging of high-performance computing resources as needed.

• Using Python for analysis and orchestration of workflows involving multiple CFD tools.

• Developing reactor simulations that include both multiphase flows and chemical reaction with potentially very different timescales.

• Performing simulation-based studies that inform and collaborate with experimental projects.

• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering knowledge to simulations and system designs.

• Ability to work independently and in teams and to deliver high-quality results within aggressive timelines.

• Track record of troubleshooting and problem-solving complex modeling and simulation systems.

• Strong publication record in multiphase modeling

• Record of successful project lead experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with open-source CFD and reactor modeling software, e.g. OpenFOAM and Cantera.

• Experience and comfort working in a collaborative environment.

• Strong publication record and desire to publish.

• Excellent technical writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Formal training or demonstrated experience using Python for scientific data analysis.

• Experience with experimental or computational efforts utilizing pilot facilities or industrial collaborations.

• At least 2 years of relevant experience beyond PhD

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Researcher III / Annual Salary Range: $79,600 - $143,300

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

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If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.

NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview. DOE rules for site access during the interview process are the same regardless of whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NREL by the Department of Energy (DOE).

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

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