Nuclear Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Nuclear Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in our Autonomous Engineering department. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

You will specialize in nuclear reactor core and lattice design and plant reload optimization. You will concentrate on power uprates in light water reactors, using accident-tolerant fuel cladding and LEU+ nuclear fuel, and developing optimization techniques for multiphysics-informed reactor core design.

You will have in-depth knowledge of reactor physics and thermal-hydraulics, along with experience in reactor core modeling using fuel depletion system codes. Additionally, expertise in applying optimization algorithms, including metaheuristic evolutionary algorithms, reinforcement learning, and surrogate modeling is necessary.

Responsibilities Include:

• Contribute to our interdisciplinary R&D team, both independently and collaboratively.
• You will efficiently complete tasks as directed by project managers and principal investigators.
• You will bring fresh insights that help our team propose novel ideas, overcome challenges, and enhance the impact of our work.
• You will write scientific manuscripts for journal publication and present research findings at conferences and meetings, requiring high-level communication to groups of scientists, engineers and program managers.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Required:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and published research results in English.
• Understand reactor physics, reactor core design, and constraints induced by neutron and thermal hydraulics.
• Proficiency in lattice physics codes and reactor core modeling with fuel depletion codes (e.g., SCALE/POLARIS, CASMO/SIMULATE3, PARCS).
• Experience with system modeling using thermal-hydraulic system codes (e.g., RELAP5-3D, TRACE) is advantageous.
• Proficient in programming languages (e.g., Python).
• Experience in developing optimization models.
• Experience in proposal writing.
  

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.