Nuclear Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

Employee Education Program

Comprehensive Relocation Package

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in nuclear engineering, focusing on reactor core design, multiphysics analysis, and plant reload optimization. The position emphasizes uprates in light water reactors using advanced fuel cladding and LEU+ fuel, with a goal to develop a multiphysics core design optimization platform.

Ideal candidates will have deep reactor physics and fuel performance knowledge, experience with core modeling (PARCS,

Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering; must be completed by appointment start and within the previous 5 years.
• Strong oral and written English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Publish scientific manuscripts in journals and milestone reports.
• Present research findings at conferences and meetings.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary R&D and collaborate with project managers and PIs.

Skills

Reactor physics

Core design

Optimization modeling

English communication

Proposal writing

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

Tools

PARCS

VERA-CS

FAST

BISON

Python

Bash

Job description

Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is looking for a highly qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in nuclear engineering, specializing in nuclear reactor core design, multiphysics analysis, and plant reload optimization. This role will concentrate on power uprates in light water reactors, utilizing accident-tolerant fuel cladding and LEU+ nuclear fuel, and developing a platform for multiphysics core design optimization.

The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of reactor physics and fuel performance along with experience in reactor core modeling using fuel depletion system codes. Additionally, expertise in developing and applying optimization algorithms, including metaheuristic evolutionary algorithms and reinforcement learning, is essential.

This position requires a proactive and creative individual capable of contributing significantly to our interdisciplinary R&D team, both independently and collaboratively. The candidate should be adept at efficiently completing tasks as directed by project managers and principal investigators. An excellent postdoctoral researcher will bring fresh insights that help our team propose innovative ideas, overcome challenges, and enhance the impact of our work. The responsibilities also include writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication and milestone reports and presenting research findings at conferences and meetings, necessitating strong communication skills.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

Required

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Understanding reactor physics, reactor core design, and constraints induced by neutronics and fuel performance.
• Proficiency in reactor core modeling with fuel depletion codes (e.g., PARCS, VERA-CS).
• Experience with fuel modeling using fuel performance codes (e.g., FAST, BISON) is advantageous.
• Proficient in programming languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
• Experience in developing optimization models.
• Experience in proposal writing.

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

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.

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 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.