Plasma-Material Interaction and Hydrogen Permeation Postdoctoral Researcher

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Relocation package

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance fusion materials science. The role supports the Tritium and Fusion Materials Department with experimental work at the STAR facility and IRC, contributing to plasma-material interactions and hydrogen isotope behavior.

The candidate will publish manuscripts, present results at conferences, and collaborate across DOE programs, with a strong emphasis on independent and team-driven R&D.

Qualifications

• PhD must be completed by start and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated experience with plasma systems and/or hydrogen permeation.
• Experience with plasma-material interactions and advanced material characterization.
• Experience with tritium, irradiated materials and radiological work.
• Experience with hydrogen super-permeation.
• Experience with molten salt and molten liquid metals.
• Experience with data analysis using Python, Matlab, IDL, Mathematica.
• Strong English oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, assembly, and operation of unique laboratory experiments.
• Perform experiments according to prescribed matrices.
• Hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum systems and lab equipment.
• Knowledge of vacuum, gas systems, and data acquisition and controls.
• Work on hydrogen interactions with materials.

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

Matlab

IDL

Mathematica

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the Tritium and Fusion Materials Department. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls and Advanced Test Reactor facility with every Friday off.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will provide experimental and technical support for INL programs aimed at advancing leadership in fusion energy sciences and technology development. Responsibilities span a wide range of activities, including conducting experiments at the Safety and Tritium Applied Research (STAR) facility at the Advanced Reactor Complex (ATR-C) and the Idaho Research Center (IRC). The successful candidate will conduct research and development activities to advance the state of the art in plasma-material interactions and hydrogen isotope behavior in materials, working across multiple programs under the DOE Office of Sciences, Office of Fusion, Office of Nuclear Energy, and National Nuclear Security Administration.

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.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assist in the design, assembly, and operation of unique and custom laboratory experiments.
• Perform experiments in accordance with prescribed test matrices.
• Hands‑on experience with ultra-high vacuum systems, and other laboratory equipment.
• Working knowledge of the design and assembly of vacuum systems, gas systems, and data acquisition and controls.
• Experience with hydrogen interactions with materials.

Required:

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Experience with plasma systems and/or hydrogen permeation systems.
• Experience with plasma‑material interaction and/or advanced material characterization.
• Experience with tritium, irradiated materials and radiological work.
• Experience with hydrogen super‑permeation.
• Experience with molten salt and molten liquid metals.
• Experience with data analysis with python, Matlab, IDL, Mathematica etc.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.

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.

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.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.