POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER POSITION IN MODELLING AND SIMULATION OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMRS)
IMDEA Energy Institute is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence dedicated to conducting research and development (R&D) in renewable energy and clean energy technologies, while fostering strong partnerships with leading companies in the energy sector.
About the role
The Nuclear Technology Unit at IMDEA Energy is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct modelling and simulation activities related to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies. The successful candidate will work under the coordination of senior researchers in areas such as reactor physics and neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, multiphysics simulation, transient and safety analysis, or hybrid models and digital twins. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to new scientific and computational capabilities, publications, projects, and national and international collaborations.
Responsibilities
- Participate in developing models and simulation tools for SMRs and advanced nuclear technologies.
- Perform calculations, analyse results, and contribute to model verification and validation.
- Collaborate in advanced methodologies, including multiphysics simulation, reduced-order models, scientific AI, or digital twins.
- Participate in R&D projects, technical meetings, and collaborations with universities, research centres, and companies.
- Prepare scientific publications, technical reports, and conference contributions.
- Contribute to the Unit's general activities and to the preparation of new research proposals.
- Develop increasing research autonomy under the scientific supervision of the responsible researchers.
Requirements
Compulsory Requirements:
- PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Energy Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- Early postdoctoral profile, with an indicative maximum of four years of research experience following completion of the PhD.
- Experience in modelling, computational simulation, scientific programming, or the analysis of physical or energy systems.
Other Merits:
- Knowledge of reactor physics, neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, multiphysics simulation, nuclear safety, or SMR technologies.
- Experience with Python, C/C++, Fortran, Julia, MATLAB, or scientific simulation codes.
- Experience in reduced-order models, scientific AI, uncertainty quantification, or digital twins.
- Scientific publications and participation in R&D projects.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and motivation to develop a career in nuclear technology.
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
Selection Criteria
- Adequacy of the candidate's training to the requested profile.
- Experience in modelling, simulation, and scientific programming.
- Scientific output and participation in projects.
- Motivation and fit with the Unit's activities.
Pay
Remuneration: Between €40,000 – €44,000 per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.
Benefits
- Contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish Public Health and Social Security System.
Workplace
IMDEA Energía, Móstoles, Madrid