Heat Pipe Thermal-Fluids Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Package

Tuition assistance

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering to develop next-generation thermal management and heat pipe delivery systems. The role involves modeling, experiments, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, with opportunities to publish in journals and present at conferences.

The position requires a Ph.D. in a related field within the last five years, expertise in heat transfer and two-phase systems, and experience with

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed within the past five years in mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated background in heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or thermal-fluid systems.
• Experience modeling or experimentally evaluating heat pipes, liquid-metal systems, or other two-phase heat-transfer devices.
• Ability to develop, execute, and document thermal-fluid analyses using tools such as Python, MATLAB, CFD software, or system-level modeling codes.
• Experience designing experiments, selecting instrumentation, analyzing data, and quantifying measurement uncertainty.
• Familiarity with alkali-metal handling, high-temperature testing, vacuum systems, or inert-atmosphere operations.
• Ability to safely conduct laboratory work.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, including preparation of peer-reviewed publications and technical reports.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Developing next generation thermal management and heat pipe delivery systems.
• Support the development and evaluation of heat-pipe technologies for DOE programs.
• Perform thermal-fluid modeling, experimental testing, and analysis of heat-pipe performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design experiments and validate models.
• Write scientific manuscripts and present results at conferences.

Skills

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Python

MATLAB

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical/Nuclear/Chemical Eng or related

Tools

CFD software

System-level modeling codes

Job description

Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering or comparable discipline for the Reactor Systems and Heat Transport Department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on developing next generation thermal management and heat pipe delivery systems. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of REC (in-town) facilities with every other Friday off.

The postdoctoral researcher will support the development and evaluation of heat-pipe technologies for the DOE Microreactor Program, the space reactor program, and other government-sponsored projects. The work will include thermal-fluid modeling, experimental testing, and analysis of heat-pipe performance, including startup, steady-state operation, freeze/thaw behavior, and operating limits. Reporting to the Reactor Systems and Heat Transport Department Manager, the researcher will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design experiments, validate computational models, interpret test data, and advance heat-pipe systems for nuclear energy applications.

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

• Ph.D. completed within the past five years in mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated background in heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or thermal-fluid systems.
• Experience modeling or experimentally evaluating heat pipes, liquid-metal systems, or other two-phase heat‑transfer devices.
• Ability to develop, execute, and document thermal-fluid analyses using tools such as Python, MATLAB, CFD software, or system-level modeling codes,
• Experience designing experiments, selecting instrumentation, analyzing data, and quantifying measurement uncertainty.
• Familiarity with alkali‑metal handling, high-temperature testing, vacuum systems, or inert‑atmosphere operations.
• Ability to safely conduct laboratory work.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, including preparation of peer‑reviewed publications and technical reports.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Must meet applicable laboratory employment, security, and site‑access requirements.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Direct experience with sodium heat pipes, thermosyphons, or capillary‑driven two‑phase systems.
• Knowledge of heat‑pipe startup, freeze/thaw behavior, sonic and capillary limits, entrainment, dryout, and noncondensable‑gas effects.
• Experience with sodium‑compatible materials, corrosion, welding, fabrication, and component cleaning.
• Familiarity with nuclear‑reactor thermal management, particularly microreactor or space‑reactor applications.
• Experience validating analytical or computational models against experimental data.
• Record of technical publications or conference presentations related to heat pipes, liquid metals, or advanced energy systems.

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 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.

About Us

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.