Metallic Fuel, PIE, Fabrication, Characterization Postdoctoral Research Associate – (23620)

Austin Community College; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Paid time off

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

A top-level national laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to engage in metallic fuel research. This role involves developing fabrication processes, mentoring interns, and collaborating with scientists. Candidates should hold a recent PhD and have experience in nuclear engineering or related fields. The laboratory provides a supportive research environment with opportunities for professional development, presentations at conferences, and publication in scientific journals.

Qualifications

• PhD must be completed within the last 5 years.
• In-depth knowledge of PIE and characterization of metallic fuels.
• Proven publication record is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop fabrication and post-irradiation examination plans.
• Collaborate with INL scientists on nuclear fuel development.
• Mentor interns and technicians.

Skills

Excellent writing skills

Knowledge of metallic nuclear fuel fabrication

Laboratory experience in hot cells

Education

PhD in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or material science

Job description

Metallic Fuel, PIE, Fabrication, Characterization Postdoctoral Research Associate - (23620)

Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Metallic Nuclear Fuel Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on our Fuels PIE Department. Our team works a 4X10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex with every Friday off. You will engage with the ongoing research development activities for assigned nuclear facilities (Cat A, Cat B, nonreactor, etc.) at INL. Complete research in a variety of nuclear fuel systems looking for opportunities to enrich experience and knowledge.

What type of culture we have in Fuels PIE division and what type of individual I am looking for:

Willing to pitch in, hardworking
Ready to enjoy workplace: we do hard things, sometimes things that do not work out (that’s why it is research…in a hot cell), so curiosity, growth mindset and resiliency are fundamental

What has to be done in this job?

Advance their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher in the field of metallic fuel research area. This would include the understanding the metal fuel fabrication process, mechanical testing of fresh and irradiated samples, and understanding of irradiation behavior of metallic fuel.

Primarily responsible for developing fabrication, investigation, and post-irradiation examination plans and testing capability developments, overseeing data collection, reduction and analysis of the performance data, and publication of results in internal reports and the open literature.

Provide analysis and evaluation of data from experiments on different testing concepts related to metallic fuels. Produces results by fulfilling and sometimes exceeding expectations of advanced fuel campaign programs.

Collaborate with other INL scientists and modeling experts to expand the understanding and application of fresh and PIE experiments to accelerate nuclear fuel development.

Builds and maintains productive, collaborative relationships with mentors, INL program leadership, and other collaborators to assess the performance of nuclear fuels execution of fresh and post-irradiation examinations of nuclear fuels. Provide insight to INL facilities and program leadership on future instrument needs of INL for nuclear fabrication, characterization and PIE examinations.

Author and contribute to publications in area of specialty. Present results at National and International Conferences. Contribute to peer review work of others both within and external to the PIE department.

Maintain familiarity with scientific literature and state-of-the-art to set the foundation for new research pathways and critically interpreting existing data and theories.

Grows relationships with Universities within the US and internationally to develop partnerships that will be needed to support nuclear fuels research in the future and advance the INL mission.

Mentor or provide guidance to interns and technicians.

Qualifications

PhD degree in nuclear in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or material science.

PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.

In-depth knowledge of metallic nuclear fuel fabrication, characterization and PIE.

Prior laboratory experience in hot cells or nuclear facility is an asset

Excellent writing skillset, proven publication record.

What specific goal I have for this position:

At least 1 first-author publication per year

Milestone reports on time and with high-quality

Complete the review of one aspect of fuel performance for Metallic fuel system

Co-author at least 1 proposal (LDRD seed, CINR, RTE) focused on metallic fuel per year

Complete facility hands-on training as applicable

Stay engage with metal fuel performance team within AFC

Working with Natrium Team on data package

Job Information:

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

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.

Other Information When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.

Primary Location:United States

Other Locations:US-ID-Idaho Falls

Job:Postdoc

Organization:Materials & Fuels Complex-MFC (Uxxx)

Schedule:Full-time

Employee Status:Regular

Job Posting:Jan 21, 2026, 12:58:20 PM

Unposting Date:Feb 3, 2026, 11:59:00 PM