Nuclear Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the role

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in nuclear reactor core design, multiphysics analysis, and plant reload optimization. This role focuses on power uprates in light water reactors, utilizing accident-tolerant fuel cladding and LEU+ nuclear fuel, and developing a platform for multiphysics core design optimization.

Responsibilities

• Concentrate on power uprates in light water reactors, utilizing accident-tolerant fuel cladding and LEU+ nuclear fuel, and develop a platform for multiphysics core design optimization.
• Develop and apply optimization algorithms, including metaheuristic evolutionary algorithms and reinforcement learning.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary R&D team, both independently and collaboratively.
• Write scientific manuscripts for journal publication and milestone reports.
• Present research findings at conferences and meetings.

Requirements

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, completed within the last 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English.
• Understanding of reactor physics, reactor core design, and constraints induced by neutronics and fuel performance.
• Proficiency in reactor core modeling with fuel depletion codes (e.g., PARCS, VERA-CS).
• Experience with fuel modeling using fuel performance codes (e.g., FAST, BISON) is advantageous.
• Proficient in programming languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
• Experience in developing optimization models.
• Experience in proposal writing.

Qualifications

• Proactive and creative individual capable of contributing significantly to the team.
• Able to efficiently complete tasks as directed by project managers and principal investigators.
• Broadly contribute to the team’s ability to propose innovative ideas, overcome challenges, and enhance the impact of their work.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.

Benefits

The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts; a 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; Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions); comprehensive relocation package; and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Schedule

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