Thermal Energy Systems Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the role

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate in nuclear or mechanical engineering or a comparable discipline for the Thermal Systems Analysis group in the Integrated Systems and Thermal Analysis department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on thermal energy systems, integrated energy systems, industrial heat applications, thermal power generation, heat transfer, process modeling, technoeconomic analysis, and cost estimation of advanced energy systems. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Work with interdisciplinary teams supporting nuclear-integrated industrial applications, advanced thermal management concepts, energy conversion systems, and related modeling and analysis activities, as well as experimental systems design.
• Support work on optimizing these from a cost, reliability and technical standpoint.
• Write scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and present research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Requirements

• Required PhD in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or comparable disciplines. PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Knowledge of system thermodynamics and power generation technical analysis, heat exchange and heat exchangers, system modeling, and thermal power generation technologies.
• Knowledge of technoeconomic analysis and energy economics with the ability to assess and optimize engineering problems from a technical and economic perspective.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.

Qualifications

• General coding experience and thermodynamic modelling experience; examples include: Knowledge of Python, Matlab/Simulink or equivalent general analysis coding language.
• Experience in modelling tools such as Aspen HYSYS, Modelica, EES, EBSILON.
• Nuclear Engineering Knowledge of nuclear systems and nuclear power plant engineering.
• Experience in designing thermal system experiments desired but not required.
• Experience with concepts such as capacity expansion, cash flow analysis, levelized electricity costs etc.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

The pay 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.

Pay

$105,144.00 Annually

Schedule

9x80 schedule with every other Friday off

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment.
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Information

• When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens.
• Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.
• INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.