Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) Research Scientist

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 79,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a senior researcher in PIE to lead irradiation experiments on advanced nuclear fuels and materials at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). The role involves planning, data analysis, and publication of results in internal reports and open literature.

You will collaborate with program leadership, industry partners, and other collaborators to assess fuel performance, while mentoring junior scientists and contributing to national and international

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science with emphasis on characterization.
• Ability to obtain DOE L clearance (US citizenship).
• Experience with irradiation experiments and fuel/cladding concepts.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and analysis of irradiation experiments for advanced fuels and materials.
• Develop post-irradiation examination plans and oversee data collection and publication.
• Collaborate with PIE scientists and modeling experts to advance PIE applications.

Skills

Analytical reasoning

Communication

Nuclear fuels knowledge

Experiment design

English language

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science

Tools

TEM

SEM

XRD

EELS

Tomography

Job description

As part of INL’s Nuclear Nexus, you’ll be at the forefront of advancing nuclear energy breakthroughs, uncovering critical insights from irradiated fuels to power America’s energy leadership. Your research will directly support INL’s legacy of innovation, shaping the future of safe, reliable, and cutting-edge energy solutions. This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to missions that define the next era of nuclear technology. This position is located at our Materials and Fuels Complex, which hosts the core of the U.S. nuclear research and development capabilities with a diverse array of facilities designed for remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. A new fuel idea can be designed, fabricated, tested, and analyzed at MFC to better understand the effects of irradiation. Many groups, such as universities, industry partners, other national laboratories, international research organizations, and other federal agencies are working at MFC. Our team works a 4x10 schedule with every Friday off.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Engage with the ongoing research development activities for assigned nuclear facility (Cat A, Cat B, non-reactor, etc.) at INL. Complete research in a variety of nuclear specialties.
• Responsible for leading the planning, designing, and analyzing of irradiation experiments to evaluate the performance of advanced nuclear fuels and materials. Primarily responsible for developing post-irradiation examination plans, 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 fuel and cladding concepts.
• Collaborate with other INL PIE scientists and modeling experts to expand the understanding and application of PIE experiments to facilitate the shortening of the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Work closely with INL program leadership, industry partners, and other collaborators to assess the performance of nuclear fuels and cladding through execution of post-irradiation examinations. Provide insight to INL facilities on future instrument needs for INL PIE examinations.
• Author or contribute to publications in area of specialty. Present results at national and international conferences. Contribute to peer review work of others both within or external to the PIE department.
• Maintain familiarity with scientific literature.
• Establish relationships with universities within the US and internationally to develop partnerships that will be needed to support PIE in the future and advance the INL mission.
• Mentor or provide guidance to junior scientists, technicians, or post-doctoral staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Giving full attention to what people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Communication skills, including providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analytical reasoning skills include using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Knowledge of nuclear fuels and materials, experience in the design, fabrication, and/or execution of irradiation experiments, and an understanding of nuclear reactor systems, theory, and safety regarding experiment implementation at a nuclear reactor/facility.
• Knowledge of relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Required:

• Level 2:Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field with a strong emphasis on materials characterization and 0 years' experience.
• Level 3:Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field with a strong emphasis on materials characterization and 2 years' experience.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Experience with TEM characterization of nuclear materials.
• Familiarity with other microscopy and characterization techniques such as SEM, and XRD.
• Hands-on experience with advanced TEM techniques such as electron diffraction, EELS, and tomography.
• Advanced degree in a related engineering or scientific field from an accredited institution.
• Experience and knowledge pertinent to executing work in accordance with standards of ASME NQA-1 2000 as implemented by the INL Quality Program or equivalent.
• Experience working with remote systems and hot cells.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732)/ Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288) At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

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 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 50 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Position requires the ability to smell. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.