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

Description

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

The selected candidate will drive the development of advanced scientific and technological capabilities for SMR modeling and simulation, including reactor physics, neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear safety analysis, radiological protection, multiphysics simulation, and digital twins applied to advanced nuclear technologies.

The candidate will be responsible for defining the scientific and technological roadmap of the Nuclear Technology Unit, selecting the main lines of research, participating in and leading national and international R&D projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and representing the institute before scientific, technological, industrial and regulatory bodies in the field of advanced nuclear simulation applied to SMRs.

Tasks

• Define and implement the scientific and technological strategy for modeling and simulating SMR nuclear reactors.
• Develop advanced capabilities for comprehensive modeling and simulation of SMRs, from nuclear data to reactor behavior.
• Lead computational simulation activities for different SMR designs, including reactor physics, neutronics, thermohydraulics, fuel behavior, transient analysis, and coupled multiphysics simulation.
• Drive the development of models and tools for analyzing the complete nuclear fuel cycle, with a focus on advanced fuels.
• Promote the development of digital reactors, numerical reactors, and digital twins applied to SMRs, incorporating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analysis techniques where appropriate.
• Lead or participate in studies on nuclear safety, radiation protection, and environmental impact associated with SMR technologies and advanced reactors.
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies, nuclear authorities, particularly the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), technical/research organizations, universities, and industrial entities on nuclear safety technology and studies in SMRs.
• Promote the acquisition of competitive funding through European, national, and regional projects, as well as R&D contracts with companies in the energy, nuclear, and industrial sectors.
• Coordinate scientific and technical teams, supervise research staff, and contribute to the training of young researchers.
• Disseminate research results through scientific publications, technical reports, participation in conferences, workshops, technology forums, and technology transfer activities to industry.

Requirements

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Reactor Physics, Energy Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or related fields.
• At least 6 years of postdoctoral research experience in nuclear technology or related areas.
• Experience as principal investigator on national, European, or international R&D projects related to modeling, simulation, computational analysis, nuclear safety, fuel cycles, or advanced nuclear technologies.
• Experience in scientific and technical leadership, project coordination, team management, or supervision of research staff.
• Fluent communication skills in English, both oral and written.

Merits

• To value specific experience in small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactors, microreactors, or new nuclear reactor concepts.
• To have experience in coupled multiphysics simulation, including neutronics, thermohydraulics, fuel behavior, heat transfer, systems dynamics, or transient analysis.
• To have knowledge of nuclear simulation codes and tools, especially open-source.
• To have 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 have experience in developing digital twins, digital reactors, downscale models, lifecycle simulation, or applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to nuclear simulation.
• To have experience with the nuclear fuel cycle and advanced fuels.
• To have experience in nuclear safety studies, radiation protection, environmental impact, emergency response, physical security, or nuclear licensing.
• To have knowledge of the Spanish, European, or international nuclear regulatory framework, and experience collaborating with regulatory bodies, nuclear authorities, or technical support organizations.
• To have experience in adapting, applying, or harmonizing codes, standards, and technical norms applicable to SMRs, advanced reactors, or modular manufacturing.
• To have experience in securing competitive funding from national or international sources, or R&D contracts with companies.
• To have experience in coordinating international collaborative R&D&I projects in nuclear technologies.
• To have relevant scientific or technological output: publications, participation in workshops and conferences, software, methodologies, technical reports, patents, databases, prototypes, or results transferable to industry.
• To have experience in 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 63.500€ - 86.000€ 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.