SENIOR ASSISTANT RESEARCHER POSITION IN MODELING AND SIMULATION OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMRS)

Description

IMDEA Energy is opening a Senior Assistant Researcher Position in the Nuclear Technology Unit specialized in Modeling and Simulation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

The selected candidate will support the Head of the Nuclear Technology Unit by leading one of the Unit's research lines, such as the modeling and simulation of SMR nuclear reactors, including reactor physics, neutronics, thermohydraulics, nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear safety analysis, radiation protection, multiphysics simulation, and digital twins applied to advanced nuclear technologies.

The candidate must contribute to defining the scientific and technological roadmap of their line of research, participate in national and international R&D projects, and coordinate and supervise the postdoctoral, predoctoral and technical staff under their charge.

Tasks

• Participate in the definition and implementation of the scientific and technological strategy for modeling and simulation of SMR nuclear reactors.
• Contribute to the development of advanced capabilities for comprehensive modeling and simulation of SMRs, from nuclear data to reactor behavior.
• Lead activities related to the research line(s) within your area of expertise, which may include, among others, computational simulation of SMR reactors, analysis of the complete nuclear fuel cycle, development of digital twins of SMRs, or studies of nuclear safety, radiological protection, and environmental impact associated with SMR technologies.
• Support the Head of the Nuclear Technology Unit in collaborating with regulatory bodies, nuclear authorities, particularly the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), technical/research organizations, universities, and industrial entities regarding technology and nuclear safety studies in SMRs.
• Actively participate in securing competitive funding through European, national, and regional projects, as well as R&D contracts with companies in the energy, nuclear, and industrial sectors.
• Cook up the team of scientists and technicians under your supervision and contribute to the training of young researchers and technical staff.
• Disseminate research results through scientific publications, technical reports, participation in conferences, workshops, technology forums, and technology transfer activities with industry.

Requirements

• Compulsory Requirements:
• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Reactor Physics, Energy Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields.
• Demonstrable postdoctoral research experience of at least 3 years in the field of nuclear technology, computational simulation of advanced nuclear systems, or related disciplines.
• Participation in national, European, or international R&D projects related to modeling, simulation, computational analysis, nuclear safety, fuel cycles, or advanced nuclear technologies.
• Experience supervising research or technical personnel.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

• To Value Specific:
• To value specific experience in small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactors, microreactors, or new nuclear reactor concepts.
• To value specific experience in coupled multiphysics simulation, including neutronics, thermohydraulics, fuel behavior, heat transfer, systems dynamics, or transient analysis.
• To value specific knowledge of nuclear simulation codes and tools, especially open-source ones.
• To value specific experience with scientific programming tools or languages such as Python, C/C++, Fortran, Julia, MATLAB, OpenMC, Serpent, MCNP, SCALE, RELAP, TRACE, MOOSE, OpenFOAM, or other relevant tools.
• To value specific experience in developing digital twins, digital reactors, reduced-scale models, life cycle simulation, or applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to nuclear simulation.
• To value specific experience with the nuclear fuel cycle and advanced fuels.
• To value specific experience in nuclear safety studies, radiation protection, environmental impact, emergency response, physical security, or nuclear licensing.
• To value specific knowledge of the Spanish, European, or international nuclear regulatory framework, and experience collaborating with regulatory bodies, nuclear authorities, or technical support organizations.
• To value specific experience in adapting, applying, or harmonizing codes, standards, and technical norms applicable to SMRs, advanced reactors, or modular manufacturing.
• To value specific experience leading research teams.
• To value specific experience securing competitive funding from national or international sources, or R&D contracts with companies.
• To value specific relevant scientific or technological output in the form of publications, participation in workshops and conferences, software development, methodologies, technical reports, patents, databases, prototypes, or results transferable to industry.
• To value specific experience establishing collaborations with research centers, universities, companies, international organizations, and technology platforms in the nuclear and energy sectors.

Selection Criteria

• Relevance of academic background to the requested profile.
• Work experience related to the profile of the job position.
• Motivation for accomplishing high-quality research.

Conditions

• Remuneration: Between 44.000€ - 50.000€ Gross Salary per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.
• The contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish Public Health and Social Security System.
• Type of contract: Permanent contract for scientific and technical activities.
• Workplace: IMDEA Energía: Móstoles, Madrid.