Postdoctoral Research Associate (Nondestructive Evaluation)

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

On-site facilities

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

UT-Battelle is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance nondestructive evaluation science and materials characterization at ORNL in the Modern Nuclear Instrumentation and Controls Group. You will develop advanced sensors, AI/ML methods, and real-time NDE solutions for nuclear energy systems, collaborating with diverse experts and contributing to publications and proposals.

The role emphasizes experimental NDE in extreme environments, instrumentation, and data integration, with a

Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics, or closely related field within the past five years.
• Hands-on experimental experience in ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and a strong understanding of wave propagation theory.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate advanced sensors for NDE and structural health monitoring (SHM) in extreme environments
• Develop and evaluate novel measurement techniques for nondestructive characterization of materials
• Investigate new AI/ML methods and tools for automating NDE signal analysis and optimizing operations of nuclear energy systems
• Develop fast and robust solutions to inverse problems in NDE and SHM to enable real-time monitoring of structural materials
• Integrate solutions with emerging applications of nuclear instrumentation and controls for risk-informed operational decision making
• Support the ideation and development of proposals in new areas of research related to nuclear energy, safety, energy security, safeguards, economics, and nonproliferation
• Provide research staff in the group with expertise in sensors and measurements to assist in the development, design, and analysis of high-impact nuclear energy, safety, and security research
• Thoroughly document work performed to meet sponsor and mission needs, including preparation of peer-reviewed papers for publications in journals and conference proceedings
• Participate in professional society activities, such as organizing and attending conferences, to raise the profile of the research group in measurement science and NDE/SHM
• 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.

Skills

Ultrasonic NDE

Wave propagation theory

AI/ML in NDE

Python

LabVIEW

Sensors & instrumentation

Data analysis

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

CIVA

COMSOL

ANSYS

PYTORCH

TensorFlow

SciKit-Learn

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with research experience in non‑destructive evaluation (NDE) to develop and deliver science‑based solutions and technical insights, aimed at advancing cutting‑edge technologies within the fields of nuclear energy and energy security. This position resides in our Modern Nuclear Instrumentation and Controls Group within the Nuclear Science and Engineering Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). 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.

As part of our research team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the science of nondestructive materials characterization by developing advanced sensors and measurement techniques, analytics techniques for NDE (including artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) methods and tools for automated and machine assisted evaluation and design optimization), with a range of applications in critical energy systems.

You will perform work that is consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules. Additionally, you will support a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate advanced sensors for NDE and structural health monitoring (SHM) in extreme environments
• Develop and evaluate novel measurement techniques for nondestructive characterization of materials
• Investigate new AI/ML methods and tools for automating NDE signal analysis and optimizing operations of nuclear energy systems.
• Develop fast and robust solutions to inverse problems in NDE and SHM to enable real-time monitoring of structural materials
• Integrate solutions with emerging applications of nuclear instrumentation and controls for risk‑informed operational decision making.
• Support the ideation and development of proposals in new areas of research related to nuclear energy, safety, energy security, safeguards, economics, and nonproliferation.
• Provide research staff in the group with expertise in sensors and measurements to assist in the development, design, and analysis of high‑impact nuclear energy, safety, and security research.
• Thoroughly document work performed to meet sponsor and mission needs, including preparation of peer‑reviewed papers for publications in journals and conference proceedings.
• Participate in professional society activities, such as organizing and attending conferences, to raise the profile of the research group in measurement science and NDE/SHM.
• 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.

Work in these areas supports the research programs of the US Department of Energy, partnerships with other federal programs, industry collaborations, and operations at ORNL’s major research facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor.

Our team members have the opportunity to work collaboratively with diverse subject matter experts from across the laboratory to solve challenging and important problems related to the development, construction, and operation of nuclear energy technologies, other energy technologies, and ORNL scientific facilities.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics, or closely related field within the past five years.
• Hands‑on experimental experience in ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and a strong understanding of wave propagation theory.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong understanding or experience with electromagnetic NDE techniques such as eddy current NDE or millimeter wave NDE
• Experience with one or more simulation software packages such as CIVA, COMSOL, and ANSYS
• Familiarity with Python and LabVIEW programming for data acquisition and instrument control.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, assemble, and conduct ultrasonic testing experiments using general equipment and transducers.
• Experience with instrumentation and sensor systems, including hardware integration, programming, and troubleshooting.
• Experience in modern AI/ML analysis and statistical techniques as applied to NDE applications. This includes experience with scientific AI/ML toolkits, such as PYTORCH, TENSORFLOW, SCIKIT-LEARN, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in writing scientific and technical publications and delivering presentations to prominent government, industry, or research communities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

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.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre‑placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Relocation

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT‑Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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.

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.

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.