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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Signal Collections and Sensor Development

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Mar 14, 2026

Requisition Id16106

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.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Signals Collections and Analysis Group in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND), National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

NSSD leads transformative research to address critical threats to national security. Leveraging a diverse array of capabilities in nuclear nonproliferation, data analytics, cybersecurity, cyber-physical resiliency, geospatial science, and high-performance computing, our organization seeks to produce world-class S&T products for sensitive national security missions.

The selected candidate will support research efforts in signal processing and analysis, with an emphasis on the development of novel algorithms to interpret results from complex data streams. The successful postdoctoral associate will be a highly motivated and creative problem solver to produce customized solutions for challenging nonproliferation problems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Perform processing and analysis on multimodal data streams, including RF, optical, and spectral signals
  • Develop statistically defensible algorithms to identify and characterize radiated emissions from transmitters of interest
  • Provide feedback on signal quality/attributes of collected data to support hardware development efforts
  • Support planning of experimental campaigns to optimize utility of captured signals
  • Conceive, write, and submit proposals to develop and expand a research program investigating signal collection and analysis for mission objectives

Qualifications:

  • A PhD in electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
  • Demonstrated expertise with digital signal processing in the time- and frequency-domain
  • Demonstrated expertise with scientific analysis and programming software such as C, Python, MATLAB, Igor, or comparable equivalent
  • A background in productive and creative research efforts, exemplified by peer-reviewed journal publications
  • 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 complex research environment requiring adaptability to satisfy sponsor and mission requirements

Special Requirements:

  • Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@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.

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.

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