Postdoc: Advanced Nuclear Reactor & Fuel Cycle Modeling

Knoxville Technology Council; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

On-site fitness facilities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer to lead modeling and analysis using SCALE, VERA, and related tools. The role targets lattice physics, reactor cores, spent fuel, and fuel cycle applications.

You will develop and analyze models with Cyclus or other modern tools, publish findings, and collaborate with industry and university researchers to advance next‑gen nuclear systems.

Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear engineering or related field completed within the past 5 years.
• Knowledge of nuclear reactor analysis R&D demonstrated via publications.
• Experience using SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, and/or MOOSE; familiarity with reactor systems.
• Programming/scripting in C/C++, Python, Fortran, Git, and CMake is an asset.
• Strong writing and communication skills with ability to publish.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize and analyze reactor models using codes (SCALE, VERA, OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, MOOSE).
• Develop and analyze fuel cycle models to evaluate advanced reactor strategies.
• Collaborate effectively within a team to meet project requirements.
• Communicate results through journal articles, presentations, reports, and code documentation.
• Align work with ORNL values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Fortran

Git

CMake

Education

PhD in nuclear engineering

Tools

SCALE

VERA

MCNP

Serpent

OpenMC

MOOSE

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer to lead modeling and analysis using SCALE, VERA, and related tools. The role targets lattice physics, reactor cores, spent fuel, and fuel cycle applications.

You will develop and analyze models with Cyclus or other modern tools, publish findings, and collaborate with industry and university researchers to advance next‑gen nuclear systems.