Junior Researcher Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The University of Notre Dame is committed to advancing research and innovation that addresses some of the world's most complex challenges. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, transformative scholarship, and a commitment to serving the common good, Notre Dame researchers work to develop solutions that have a meaningful impact on society and the world.

The Energy Systems Engineering research group is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Research Scientist to support innovative research focused on advancing sustainable and efficient energy systems. This position will conduct interdisciplinary research in energy systems engineering modeling, leveraging advanced analytical approaches to better understand, optimize, and improve emerging energy technologies and systems.

The Research Scientist will contribute to a dynamic research environment through expertise in areas including life cycle assessment, technoeconomic analysis, optimization, statistical analysis, machine learning, and generative artificial intelligence techniques. This role will play an important part in advancing research initiatives, supporting scholarly publication and proposal development, mentoring junior researchers, and helping establish new research directions within the energy systems research group.

In addition to conducting independent and collaborative research, this position will provide operational leadership within the research group by supporting project management, coordinating research activities, maintaining laboratory resources, and ensuring effective research practices. The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, a commitment to research excellence, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to advance innovative energy solutions aligned with Notre Dame's mission.

Position Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct interdisciplinary research related to energy systems engineering modeling, including but not limited to:
  • Life cycle assessment
  • Technoeconomic analysis
  • Optimization
  • Statistical analysis
  • Machine learning techniques
  • Generative AI techniques
• Support research planning, literature analysis, and development of research methodologies.
• Conduct computational modeling, simulations, and advanced data analysis to support research objectives. 
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to scholarly dissemination of research findings.
• Assist with proposal planning, development, and writing to support future research initiatives.
• Help identify and establish new research thrusts related to energy systems.

Researcher Mentoring and Project Management

• Serve as a resource and mentor to junior researchers by providing guidance on research activities, technical approaches, and best practices.
• Teach computational methodologies, programming/modeling best practices, and simulation workflows related to ongoing projects. 
• Participate actively in laboratory activities, including research meetings, group meetings, and collaborative discussions.
• Support the management and execution of ongoing research projects, including coordination of timelines, deliverables, and research activities.
• Assist with maintaining a collaborative and productive research environment.

Laboratory Management

• Support the organization and daily operations of the computational research group.
• Manage group computing resources, software licenses, code repositories, and high-performance computing (HPC) allocations.
• Establish and promote best practices for data management, version control, software documentation, and computational reproducibility.
• Coordinate group IT and computing needs, serving as a liaison with university high-performance computing facilities.
• Promote efficient, collaborative, and rigorous simulation and modeling practices.

Why Notre Dame

At the University of Notre Dame, research is driven by a commitment to discovery, collaboration, and the pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of humanity. As part of this research community, the Research Scientist will contribute to work that advances energy innovation while supporting the University's mission to create meaningful solutions to global challenges.

Education Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D.)

Experience

• 3 to 4 years of experience in a related research environment.

Degree Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Skill Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• Experience and knowledge related to energy systems analysis.
• Strong technical writing and research design skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct interdisciplinary research and analyze complex technical information.
• Ability to mentor and support junior researchers.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple research activities effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a research-focused environment.

Application Deadline to Apply: August 14, 2026

Hiring Pay Range: $70,000 - $80,000 | Annually

Required Documents for Full Consideration:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and professional goals, and describing how this opportunity aligns with your future career aspirations.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.