Advanced Reactor Neutronics, Thermal-Hydraulics, Thermo-Mechanical Postdoctoral Researcher

About the role

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a comparable discipline for the Materials and Fuels Complex Reactor Engineering group. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on advanced reactor neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, thermo-mechanical, or structural analysis, contributing to reactor design and confirmatory analyses for new nuclear reactor, startup physics testing of advanced reactors, and supporting existing reactor operations.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to confirmatory analyses supporting design acceptance, safety-basis development, and reactor startup planning for advanced reactor systems.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including engineering, nuclear safety, and operations, and engage with external reactor designers and DOE stakeholders to build new and authorize new reactors at INL.
• Write engineering calculation and analysis reports and potentially publish findings and present at national conferences.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary R&D team supporting reactor operations, design authority activities, and DOE stakeholder interactions.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to perform advanced technical analysis in one or more of the following areas: reactor physics or neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, thermo-mechanical or structural analysis.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English, including preparation of technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with computational reactor analysis tools such as MCNP, SERPENT, SCALE, OpenMC, Abaqus, Ansys, or STAR-CCM+.
• Familiarity with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code or similar design-compliance frameworks.
• Experience planning, performing, or analyzing startup physics tests or verification/validation activities for reactor systems.

Qualifications

• Required PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous five years.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.

Skills

• Strong asset to our engineering team, working effectively both independently and as a team member, taking direction from peers and contributing to technical decisions in accordance with Laboratory policies and procedures.

Benefits

The pay range 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. 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.

Additional Information

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Reasonable Accommodation We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.