Nuclear Fuel Performance Modeling Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Nuclear Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the Fuel Development, Performance, and Qualification department. The team works a 9x80 schedule located at the Research and Education Campus in Idaho Falls with every other Friday off.

A successful candidate will investigate different fuel systems, and the methods used to model nuclear fuel performance. Specifically, there will be a focus on U-Zr, U-Pu-Zr, and U-10Mo fuel systems in support of the Advanced Fuels Campaign and US High Performance Research Reactor programs. A strong background in nuclear materials, reactor physics, and reactor thermohydraulics is required. A solid understanding of numerical methods related to nuclear fuel simulations is also required.

A successful candidate will apply nuclear science and engineering principles toward the development of simulation practices related to nuclear fuels. This includes developing and performing modeling techniques for fuel performance and subsequent analysis and characterization to support further development and testing efforts.

Responsibilities Include:

• * Perform finite element analysis on nuclear fuel performance criteria and compare experimental data with simulation results
• * Develop simulation methodologies for nuclear fuel performance analysis
• * Collaborate with experimental researchers to establish research plans beneficial to programmatic and INL missions
• * Support fuel design and qualification efforts
• * Review previous and current work to stay up to date on current research efforts
• * Document results in internal reports and peer reviewed journal publications
• * Present work to colleagues and stakeholders in both oral and written formats through technical presentations and at conferences
• * Participate in professional development activities

• * Ph.D. requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years
• * Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related field
• * Knowledge of nuclear science and engineering modeling techniques
• * Previous experience modeling nuclear related phenomena
• * Proficiency with a coding language
• * Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English
• * Demonstrated expertise (through peer-reviewed publications) in principles of nuclear and/or thermomechanical simulation
• * Demonstrated ability to work closely with multi-disciplinary groups to achieve research results

Ideal Candidates will also have:

• * Experience with finite element modeling tools (i.e. ABAQUS, BISON)
• * Proficiency with one or more of the following coding languages: Fortran, C++, Python, MATLAB
• * Experience with verification/validation, sensitivity, or stochastic analysis of simulation tools
• * Successful record of writing and being awarded research grants
• * This position requires access to export-controlled information and/or technology, and therefore, the candidate must be eligible for any required U.S. government export authorizations

Job Information:

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  Salary: $101,196 Annually

  
  

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 5,000 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and development technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.

INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Women and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to 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. The employee must occasionally 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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.