Senior researcher position in modeling and simulation of small modular reactors (SMRs)

Fundacion IMDEA Energia; España; Presencial; EUR 70.000 - 90.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Public health & social security

Descripción de la vacante

Fundacion IMDEA Energia is seeking a Senior Researcher to lead modeling and simulation efforts for Small Modular Reactors, guiding strategic research directions and collaborating with national and international teams.

The role requires a PhD, 10+ years postdoctoral experience, and proven leadership in nuclear tech projects. English fluency and strong publishing track record are essential.

Formación

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering or related field.
• Postdoctoral experience of 10+ years in nuclear technology or related areas.
• Experience leading research teams and securing funding.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.

Responsabilidades

• Lead one or more research lines in SMR modeling and simulation.
• Coordinate and supervise postdocs, researchers, and staff.
• Develop digital twins, multiphysics models, and safety studies.
• Secure competitive funding from national and international sources.

Conocimientos

SMR modeling

Multiphysics

Nuclear physics

Open-source tools

Scientific programming

Team leadership

Funding acquisition

English communication

Educación

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

Herramientas

OpenMC

Serpent

MCNP

OpenFOAM

MOOSE

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company Fundacion IMDEA Energia Research Field Engineering » Nuclear engineering Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Positions Other Positions Application Deadline 7 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 23 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

IMDEA Energíais opening a Senior Researcher Position in the Nuclear Technology Unit specialized in Modeling and Simulation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

The selected candidate will support the Head of the Nuclear Technology Unit by leading one or more of the Unit's research lines, such as the modeling and simulation of SMR nuclear reactors, including reactor physics, neutronics, thermohydraulics, nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear safety analysis, radiation protection, multiphysics simulation, and digital twins applied to advanced nuclear technologies.

The candidate must contribute to defining the scientific and technological roadmap of their line of research, participate in national and international R&D projects, and coordinate and supervise the postdoctoral, predoctoral and technical staff under their charge.

Tasks Description:.

• Participate in the definition and implementation of the scientific and technological strategy for modeling and simulation of SMR nuclear reactors.
• Contribute to the development of advanced capabilities for comprehensive modeling and simulation of SMRs, from nuclear data to reactor behavior.
• Lead activities related to the research line(s) within your area of expertise, which may include, among others, computational simulation of SMR reactors, analysis of the complete nuclear fuel cycle, development of digital twins of SMRs, or studies of nuclear safety, radiological protection, and environmental impact associated with SMR technologies.
• Support the Head of the Nuclear Technology Unit in collaborating with regulatory bodies, nuclear authorities, particularly the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), technical/research organizations, Universities, and industrial entities regarding technology and nuclear safety studies in SMRs.
• Actively participate in securing competitive funding through European, national, and regional projects, as well as R&D contracts with companies in the energy, nuclear, and industrial sectors.
• Coordinate the team of scientists and technicians under your supervision and contribute to the training of young researchers and technical staff.
• Disseminate research results through scientific publications, technical reports, participation in national and international conferences, workshops, and technology forums, and in technology transfer activities with industry.
• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Reactor Physics, Energy Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields.
• Demonstrable postdoctoral research experience of at least 10 years in the field of nuclear technology, computational simulation of advanced nuclear systems, or related disciplines.
• Participation in national, European, or international R&D projects related to modeling, simulation, computational analysis, nuclear safety, fuel cycles, or advanced nuclear technologies.
• Experience in having a leading role related to the activities in the previously mentioned projects.
• Experience supervising research or technical personnel.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Specific Requirements

• Specific experience in small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactors, microreactors, or new nuclear reactor concepts.
• Experience in coupled multiphysics simulation, including neutronics, thermohydraulics, fuel behavior, heat transfer, systems dynamics, or transient analysis.
• Knowledge of nuclear simulation codes and tools, especially open-source ones.
• Experience with scientific programming tools or languages such as Python, C/C++, Fortran, Julia, MATLAB, OpenMC, Serpent, MCNP, SCALE, RELAP, TRACE, MOOSE, OpenFOAM, or other relevant tools.
• Experience in developing digital twins, digital reactors, reduced-scale models, life cycle simulation, or applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to nuclear simulation.
• Experience in the assessment of advanced nuclear fuel cycles, including the simulation of advanced reactors and fuels.
• Experience in nuclear safety studies, radiation protection, environmental impact, emergency response, physical security, or nuclear licensing.
• Knowledge of the Spanish, European, or international nuclear regulatory framework, and experience collaborating with regulatory bodies, nuclear authorities, or technical support organizations.
• Experience leading research teams.
• Experience securing competitive funding from national or international sources, or R&D contracts with companies.
• Relevant scientific or technological output in the form of publications, participation in workshops and conferences, software development, methodologies, technical reports, patents, databases, prototypes, or results transferable to industry.
• Experience establishing or leading collaborations with research centers, universities, companies, international organizations, and technology platforms in the nuclear and energy sectors.

Languages ENGLISH

Research Field Engineering » Nuclear engineering Years of Research Experience More than 10

Additional Information

Remuneration:Depending upon qualification and expertise.

*The contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish Public Health and Social Security System.

Type of contract: Permanent contract for scientific and technical activities.

Eligibility criteria

• Relevance of academic background to the requested profile.
• Work experience related to the profile of the job position.
• Motivation for accomplishinghigh-quality research.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Fundacion IMDEA Energia Country Spain State/Province Madrid City Madrid Postal Code 28935 Street Av. Ramón de la Sagra 3, Parque Tecnológico de Móstoles, 28935, Móstoles, Madrid Geofield