Plasma-Material Interaction and Hydrogen Permeation Postdoctoral Researcher

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

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the Tritium and Fusion Materials Department. The role involves experimental support at STAR and IRC facilities, with a focus on plasma-material interactions and hydrogen isotope behavior in materials.

You will design and run custom laboratory experiments, analyze data, and present results at conferences. A PhD completed within the last five years is required, along with experience in radiological work and published

Qualifications

• PhD completed by appointment start 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 using Python, MATLAB, IDL, Mathematica, etc.
• Strong English communication and publication record.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, assembly, and operation of unique laboratory experiments.
• Conduct experiments per prescribed matrices.
• Work with ultra-high vacuum systems and lab equipment.
• Design and assemble vacuum, gas, data acquisition and control systems.
• Investigate hydrogen interactions with materials.

Skills

Data analysis

Oral and written communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering/ Chemical/ Mechanical/ Materials Science/ Chemistry/ Physics (or related)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

IDL

Mathematica

Job description

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.