Scientific Group Leader, Computational Coupled Physics

at  Oak Ridge National Laboratory

OVERVIEW:

The Advanced Computing Methods for Engineered Systems Section within the Computational Sciences & Engineering Division (CSED) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an expert Senior Computational Scientist to lead the Computational Coupled Physics Group. This group is part of the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate, which conducts state-of-the-art research and development in computing and computational sciences in support of DOE’s missions and programs. We develop and deploy innovative computing capabilities and computational science in the pursuit of scientific discovery and technical innovation. Relevant expertise includes mathematical modeling, computational material science, numerical methods, model-based design, microstructure evolution, physics-informed machine learning methods, and high-performance computing.

We are a diverse group of engineers, material scientists, and applied mathematicians who share a common passion for developing, enabling and employing high-fidelity, physics-based simulation tools. There are three main thrusts within the group:

• Development and application of physics-based simulation tools.
• Development and application libraries that enable performance-portability.
• Development and application of physics-informed machine learning methods.

The end goal of each of these thrust areas is to ensure our models are as fast and accurate as possible across a variety of computing architectures for applications currently focused on materials and advanced manufacturing.
As an R&D Group Leader you will bring together a group of scientists with the primary goal of pursuing global scientific leadership computational engineering and large-scale modeling and simulation. This position reports to and works closely with the Advanced Computing Methods of Engineered Systems Section Head to implement the group’s scientific vision; develop group members to enable their career advancement; establish capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; perform R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one’s respective specialty; set, implement, and model standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in engineering, physics, or materials science, or related field and 6+ years of proven experience beyond the PhD.
• Significant R&D experience outside of a Ph.D. in one or more of the following areas - computational modeling for additive manufacturing, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and/or microstructure evolution.
• Demonstrated experience leading a research team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years of relevant professional R&D experience outside of Ph.D.
• Extensive hands-on experience in attracting, conducting, and directing integrated R&D efforts with a proven record of R&D success.
• Strong computational modeling skills, experience scaling codes to handle large, coupled, and/or Multiphysics problems, and demonstrated modern software practices.
• Code development experience in the area of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and fluid structure interaction analysis.
• Deep understanding of utilizing data-driven science and technology for large-scale computational engineering and simulation optimization
• Ability to function well in a dynamic research environment, set priorities to accomplish broad programmatic and scientific impacts, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Excellent communication (spoken and written), strategic planning, organization, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• An active DOE Q clearance or ability to obtain a clearance.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements and to sensitive projects. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

The major duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead staff within the group, including the selection and retention of highly qualified staff; the development of staff capabilities; and ensuring that staff members are optimally utilized, rewarded, and motivated.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary group of scientists to align their science objectives with the section’s, the division’s, the lab’s, and the DOE’s science mission.
• Oversee and grow high-quality applied research in areas related to computational science and engineering, across major DOE initiatives and supported by big-data, high-performance computing, modeling and simulation, machine learning, and visualization.
• Establish and conduct research within the field of computational modeling as it relates to materials processing, additive manufacturing, fluid flow, and energy efficiency.
• Interact with sponsors to define, implement, and report on relevant project elements.
• Nurture the development of new insights, methods, and algorithms into tangible solutions such as research prototypes, operational tools, or data capabilities.
• Pursue new scientific and technical directions, creatively participate in and lead program development, build a network of collaborators and sponsors, and expand the target group’s footprint.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary application scientists inside and outside of the laboratory to integrate with core ORNL strengths in applied science and high-performance computing. This includes collaboration with ORNL’s relevant institutes and initiatives, academic institutions, and industry partners.
• Conduct innovative research and publish results in peer reviewed journals and conferences proceedings and produce other relevant artifacts, e.g., software.
• Interact with the appropriate program offices and other agencies to develop and maintain program funding for research in relevant areas of applications.
• Represent group-level work to review committees and outside bodies as appropriate.