Design and Modeling of Plasma Facing Component Armor in Fusion Reactors - Research

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a Research Assistant/Associate Professor position focused on integrated thermal–mechanical modeling of plasma–material interactions in fusion reactors. The role emphasizes micromechanics, nonlinear finite element modeling, and advanced code development within UT-ORII.

The successful candidate will collaborate with Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Physics, contributing to predictive

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant engineering or physics discipline.
• Significant research experience with a documented publication record.
• Experience with code development for the mechanical response of materials or components.
• Experience in statistical science/uncertainty quantification is beneficial.
• Experience with obtaining funding and student mentoring is beneficial.
• Interdisciplinary interests and potential for collaboration across disciplines encouraged.
• Ability to obtain Oak Ridge National Laboratory site access.

Responsibilities

• Develop micromechanical and nonlinear FEM models of deformation, damage, and failure under coupled irradiation, creep, and fatigue.
• Couple computational models of plasma exposure, material evolution, and component response.
• Quantify how uncertainties propagate through simulations to predictions of performance and lifetime.

Skills

Micromechanics

Nonlinear FEM

Physics

Continuum mechanics

Code development

Uncertainty quantification

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

Tools

Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS)

Job description

The University of Tennessee invites applications for a Research Assistant/Associate Professor position focused on integrated thermal–mechanical modeling of plasma–material interactions in fusion reactors. We seek candidates with expertise in micromechanics and/or nonlinear finite element modeling, a strong foundation in physics and continuum mechanics, and demonstrated expertise in advanced scientific code development and/or uncertainty quantification and propagation . Working with the University of Tennessee–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII), the successful candidate will develop predictive multiphysics models to assess and guide the design of plasma-facing materials and components.

• The research will address the coupled thermal and mechanical response of plasma-facing components (PFCs) in magnetic fusion energy systems, with particular emphasis on the evolution of material properties and component performance under extreme operating conditions. These components experience high-energy particle irradiation, cyclic thermal and mechanical loading, and repeated bombardment by relatively low-energy light ions. Together, these processes alter surface morphology, thermophysical properties, and mechanical behavior, with consequences for component integrity and lifetime.
• Research priorities include developing micromechanical and nonlinear finite element models of deformation, damage, and failure under coupled irradiation, creep, and fatigue; developing and coupling computational models of plasma exposure, material evolution, and component response; and quantifying how uncertainties in material properties, loading conditions, and model parameters propagate through coupled simulations to affect predictions of performance and lifetime. The work will involve scientific software development, numerical algorithm development, and the integration of plasma and materials modeling codes into computational environments such as the Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS) framework.
• The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Physics, as well as scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Structural Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics or other discipline related to development of Materials for Extreme Environments.
• Significant research experience following the doctoral degree is desired, with a documented publication record.
• Demonstrated experience with code development for the mechanical response of materials or of components.
• Experience in statistical science/uncertainty quantification is beneficial
• Experience with obtaining funding and student mentoring is beneficial.
• Candidates with experience in more than one discipline, or interest in collaboration across these disciplines, are preferred. However, candidates who can define a unique area are also encouraged.
• Demonstrated Reserach Skills:
  • Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment spanning experiments and modeling.
  • A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired, although collaboration with more senior investigators will be expected.
• This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Preferred Requirements

• Since the investigator may participate in providing some level of instruction in accord with the UT-ORII mission, some formal teaching experience is desirable.
• A commitment to mentoring junior investigators who will work with the Research Faculty is important and, if available, demonstrated experience is a plus.

Additional Information

• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
• The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• The primary work location for this position is on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville and may include visits to collaborator sites on the campuses of ORNL and UTK.
• The position will be implemented as an initial three-year contract with full salary support for the first year, followed by a gradual increase in expected external salary funding in subsequent years.
• The applicant will be expected to recruit graduate students by year three.
• A competitive startup package including funds for graduate students and equipment will be offered.
• Salary and title/rank will be determined commensurate with experience.
• Benefits will be typical of exempt employees at the University of Tennessee.
• The candidate must be eligible for initial clearance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

More About UT-ORII

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) was launched by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2021, in response to America’s need for a stronger pool of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent. UT-ORII is leveraging its joint UT-ORII resources to foster an earlier interest in STEM in Tennessee schools, grow its interdisciplinary graduate programs, and accelerate collaborative discovery and innovation in convergent research initiatives of critical importance to the nation and to Tennessee. Learn more about the Fusion Technology and Materials for Extreme Environments Convergent Reserach Initaitive.

More About UT Knoxville

UT Knoxville, which includes the UT Space Institute and the UT Institute of Agriculture, serves the state by educating its citizens, enhancing its culture, and making a difference in people’s lives through research and service. It embodies excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement. To learn more about UT Knoxville visit UTK.edu .

More About ORNL

Leveraging the talents of its world-class researchers and exceptional support staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping solve critical scientific and technical challenges and, in so doing, creating economic opportunity for the nation. ORNL provides access to unique facilities, laboratories, and equipment, drawing thousands of visiting researchers each year. To learn more about ORNL visit https://www.ornl.gov .

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to [e-mail] , or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to [e-mail] , or by phone at 865-974-0717.