Advanced Reactor Neutronics, Thermal-Hydraulics, Thermo-Mechanical Postdoctoral Researcher

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a comparable discipline for the Materials and Fuels Complex Reactor Engineering group. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on advanced reactor neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, thermo-mechanical, or structural analysis, contributing to reactor design and confirmatory analyses for new nuclear reactor, startup physics testing of advanced reactors, and supporting existing reactor operations. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of the Materials and Fuels Complex facility, with every other Friday off.

As a member of the Reactor Engineering group, the candidate will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including engineering, nuclear safety, and operations, and engaging with external reactor designers and DOE stakeholders to build new and authorize new reactors at INL. The selected candidate will report to the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) Reactor Engineering group and the group’s professional lead, working under the direction and technical authority of the MFC Design Authority for new reactor systems. 

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our engineering team, working effectively both independently and as a team member, taking direction from peers and contributing to technical decisions in accordance with Laboratory policies and procedures.

The position entails writing engineering calculation and analysis reports as well as the potential for publications and presenting at national conferences.
 

Required:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous five years.
• Demonstrated ability to perform advanced technical analysis in one or more of the following areas:
  • reactor physics or neutronics
  • thermal‑hydraulics
  • thermo‑mechanical or structural analysis
• Ability to contribute to confirmatory analyses supporting design acceptance, safety‑basis development, and reactor startup planning for advanced reactor systems.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary R&D team supporting reactor operations, design authority activities, and DOE stakeholder interactions.1
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English, including preparation of technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
   

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience with computational reactor analysis tools such as MCNP, SERPENT, SCALE, OpenMC, Abaqus, Ansys, or STAR‑CCM+.
• Experience with nuclear fuels and materials behavior, core design methodologies, or safety‑basis analytical methods.
• Familiarity with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code or similar design‑compliance frameworks.

• Experience planning, performing, or analyzing startup physics tests or verification/validation activities for reactor systems.
   

   

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay range 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.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.