Postdoctoral Research Associate, Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer

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

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.

Requisition Id 17151 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. The Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Cycle Analysis Group (RNFCA) Group is seeking candidates to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate, Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer role. This role is responsible for working with state-of-the-art modeling and simulation capabilities for lattice physics, reactor core, spent fuel, and fuel cycle applications through leadership in the development and analysis of SCALE and/or the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) simulations and in collaboration with industry, national laboratories and university researchers. ORNL has world-leading nuclear, radiological and scientific facilities, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and this role would support the neutronics and thermal-hydraulics analysis.

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.

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.

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. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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, and Employee Discounts.

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.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

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.