Advanced Controls and Predictive Analytics Postdoctoral Researcher

About the role

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nuclear Engineering or a comparable discipline for the Instrumentation and Controls Department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on research, development, and demonstration of advanced control algorithms and predictive analytics capabilities for advanced reactor technologies. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls with every other Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test machine learning models for advanced control strategies in dynamic systems
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing in representative experimental environments
• Design and evaluate user interfaces for automated systems
• Evaluate human-automation interaction in complex engineered systems
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams including national laboratories, universities, and industry partners
• Engage with external stakeholders including nuclear utilities, technology vendors, and regulatory bodies
• Publish research outcomes in high impact journals, peer-reviewed conferences, and present findings to lab leadership
• Lead the development of scientific manuscripts and presentations

Requirements

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Sciences, or Applied Mathematics (with an energy systems focus) or comparable disciplines
• Completed PhD within the last 5 years
• Familiarity with advanced reactor concepts including small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors
• Expertise in advanced control strategies for dynamic systems
• Experience with real-time control system deployment, integration, and HITL testing
• Familiarity with automation level frameworks and human-automation interaction standards for complex engineered systems
• Proficiency in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Scikit-learn) for developing data-driven models in engineering applications
• Experience with diagnostic and prognostic model development
• Demonstrated ability to work with heterogeneous data types, including vibration signals, time-series sensor data, imagery, and tabular records
• Foundational knowledge of nuclear reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, and plant instrumentation and control (I&C) systems
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English

Qualifications

• Self-motivated with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English

Skills

• Experience integrating large language models (LLMs) or conversational AI interfaces into scientific or engineering decision-support tools
• Experience with transfer learning techniques to adapt and generalize ML models across different operational environments or datasets

Benefits

The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Schedule

The position involves a 9x80 schedule, with every other Friday off.