Heat-Pipe Thermal-Fluid Postdoc for Nuclear Energy Systems

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 89,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer contribution

Relocation package

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering to advance next-generation thermal management and heat pipe delivery systems within the Reactor Systems and Heat Transport Department.

The role involves thermal-fluid modeling, experimental testing, and evaluation of heat-pipe performance for DOE Microreactor and space reactor programs, plus other government-funded efforts. Strong writing and collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed within the past five years in a relevant engineering field.
• Demonstrated background in heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or thermal-fluid systems.
• Experience modeling or evaluating heat pipes, liquid-metal systems, or two-phase heat-transfer devices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate heat-pipe technologies for DOE programs and other government projects.
• Perform thermal-fluid modeling and experimental testing; analyze startup, steady-state, freeze/thaw behavior, and limits.
• Write scientific manuscripts for journals and present results at conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design experiments and validate models.

Skills

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Thermal-fluid systems

Sodium heat pipes

Experiment design

Instrumentation

Data analysis

Uncertainty quantification

Lab safety

Technical writing

Independent work

Education

PhD in mechanical engineering / nuclear engineering / chemical engineering / materials science or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

CFD software

System-level modeling codes

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering to advance next-generation thermal management and heat pipe delivery systems within the Reactor Systems and Heat Transport Department.

The role involves thermal-fluid modeling, experimental testing, and evaluation of heat-pipe performance for DOE Microreactor and space reactor programs, plus other government-funded efforts. Strong writing and collaboration are essential.