Radiation Measurements Laboratory Postdoctoral Research Associate

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Physics, or a closely related discipline for the Radiation Measurements Department at the Advanced Test Reactor facility.

The role centers on ATR-specific radiation dosimetry and measurement tasks essential to experiment operations, reactor physics evaluations, and radiological monitoring.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Physics, or a closely related field.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Experience in radiation dosimetry, activation analysis, neutron/gamma measurement methods.
• Familiarity with radiological laboratory environments and safe handling of activated materials.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy L clearance, requiring US Citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Perform various radiation measurements including neutron flux and gamma spectroscopy for ATR, including activation dosimetry.
• Support calibration, validation, and troubleshooting of instrumentation and related measurement workflows.
• Maintain and repair nuclear measurement instruments.
• Apply nuclear engineering principles to design, develop, and test nuclear equipment and systems.
• Analyze and report radiological samples from ATR.
• Collaborate with ATR operations, experiment leads, health physics, and reactor physics staff to support safe, accurate measurement integration into reactor cycles.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, data packages, and peer-reviewed publications documenting dosimetry methods and results.

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Physics or comparable discipline for the Radiation Measurements Department at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) facility. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on ATR specific radiation dosimetry and radiation measurement tasks essential to experiment operations, reactor physics evaluations, and radiological monitoring.

This role directly supports ATR programs that rely on accurate radiation measurements. The Advanced Test Reactor is central to INL’s mission, supporting the nuclear Navy, private sector innovators, and national science programs through high flux, high precision irradiation capabilities. Postdocs working with ATR gain hands on experience in one of the most technically challenging and impactful nuclear facilities in the world.

Our team works a 4x10 schedule located at the Radiation Measurement Laboratory at the Advanced Test Reactor facility with every Friday off.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform various radiation measurements including neutron flux and gamma spectroscopy measurements for ATR, including activation dosimetry.
• Support calibration, validation, and troubleshooting of instrumentation and related measurement workflows.
• Maintain and repair nuclear measurement instruments.
• Use the application of nuclear engineering principles and methods to design, develop, and test nuclear equipment and systems.
• Analyze and report radiological samples from ATR
• Collaborate with ATR operations, experiment leads, health physics, and reactor physics staff to support safe, accurate measurement integration into reactor cycles.
• Produce high quality technical reports, data packages, and peer reviewed publications documenting dosimetry methods and results.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Required:

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Physics, or a closely related field.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Experience in radiation dosimetry, activation analysis, neutron/gamma measurement methods.
• Familiarity with radiological laboratory environments and safe handling of activated materials.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
  

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Hands on proficiency with high purity germanium detectors.
• Experience using MCNP, SCALE, ORIGEN, or similar tools for spectral analysis and activation calculations.
• Proficiency with Python.
  

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 field/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 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The salary for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. 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.