Heat Pipe Thermal-Fluids Postdoctoral Research Associate

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering or related fields to advance next-generation heat-pipe delivery and thermal management. The role includes thermal-fluid modeling, experiments, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams at the REC facilities with a 9x80 schedule in-town.

The candidate will write manuscripts, present results at national/international conferences, and contribute to DOE microreactor and

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.
• Must meet applicable laboratory employment, security, and site-access requirements.

Responsibilities

• Write scientific manuscripts for journal publication and present research results at conferences and meetings.
• Develop experiments, validate computational models, and analyze heat-pipe performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance heat-pipe systems for nuclear energy applications.
• Interpret test data and document findings to support DOE programs.

Skills

heat transfer

thermodynamics

fluid mechanics

thermal-fluid systems

Python

MATLAB

CFD software

data analysis

technical writing

experimental design

uncertainty analysis

independent work

team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in mechanical/nuclear/chemical engineering, materials science, or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

CFD software

system-level modeling codes

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.