Postdoctoral Research Associate, Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site fitness

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly qualified researcher with a PhD in nuclear engineering or a related field to design, develop, and analyze advanced reactor models. The role emphasizes publishing results in journals and disseminating findings through presentations and reports.

The successful candidate will work with SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, and MOOSE to evaluate next-generation reactor concepts and fuel cycle strategies, collaborating across teams to meet

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize and analyze reactor models using SCALE, VERA, OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, and MOOSE.
• Develop and analyze fuel cycle models using Cyclus for advanced reactor strategies.
• Collaborate effectively within a team to meet project requirements.
• Communicate results through journal articles, presentations, reports, and code documentation.
• Uphold ORNL values and promote a respectful, inclusive workplace.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Fortran

Git

CMake

Education

PhD in nuclear engineering or related field

Tools

SCALE

VERA

MCNP

Serpent

OpenMC

MOOSE

Job description

Requisition Id17151

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and conduct the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, optimize and analyze reactor models using world-class modeling and simulation codes (SCALE, VERA, OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, MOOSE) to support the design and development of next generation nuclear reactors.
• Develop and analyze fuel cycle models using Cyclus to evaluate advanced fuel cycle strategies to support the design and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.
• Work effectively individually and within a team to meet the requirements of projects.
• Communicate effectively the work performed through journal articles, presentations, reports, and code documentation.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a PhD in nuclear engineering or a related field completed within the past 5 years.
• Knowledge of nuclear reactor analysis R&D is required as demonstrated through research and associated publications.
• Experience using SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, and/or MOOSE and familiarity with reactor systems and concepts.
• Programming/scripting experience including the use of one or more of C/C++, Python, Fortran, Git, and CMake an asset.
• Writing and communication skills and the ability to publish.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Multiphysics software and simulations an asset.
• Previous experience with the development and implementation of numerical algorithms in advanced modeling and simulation software related to reactor physics analysis an asset.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors.

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• On-site fitness
• Banking
• Cafeteria facilities
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [e-mail].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.