MSIPP Postdoctoral Research Associate – Nuclear Fuels

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring aa well-qualified Postdoctoral Associate in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field for the Nuclear Fuels and Materials Department to study reprocessing of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particle fuel for molten salt reactor (MSR) technology and support the Environmental Management mission at the lab. You will report to the project investigator.

You must have demonstrated proficiency in employing materials characterization techniques to study nuclear structural materials and fuels in radiation environments, including but not limited to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and optical spectroscopy techniques.

Our team works a 9×80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off

Responsibilities Include:

Work with a multi-disciplinary team, using a wide range of characterization tools to note how TRISO particles degrade (i.e. surface damage due to corrosion, erosion, cracking) in the presence of molten salt systems that contain fission products (e.g. iodine, etc.) under irradiated environments. This includes but is not limited to static and/or flow loop studies in the presence of ion, gamma, and/or neutron irradiation. These studies will aid in design of a sustainable life cycle for TRISO fuel, which is currently being incorporated into a number of advanced nuclear reactor designs.
Help develop current and new projects at the INL pertaining to surface damage of nuclear reactor structural materials and fuels for both fission and fusion applications, including working with the INL Materials & Fuels Complex, Advanced Test Reactor, and Safety and Tritium Applied Research Facility.
Support INL leadership in meeting Department of Energy and industry expectations, milestones, deliverables, and INL internal reporting metrics.
Be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effective both alone and as a team member.
Contributing to the external technical reputation of INL through major contributions to presentations, reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, invention disclosures, and other professional development activities.
Must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers while consistently accomplishing scope within cost and schedule.
Contribute to mentoring of peers and junior colleagues, including undergraduate/graduate students

Minimum Requirements:

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field
Ph.D. requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the past 5 years
Hold a degree from a Minority Serving Institution (MSI)
Demonstrated proficiency with advanced characterization techniques, including SEM, FIB, TEM, XPD, and optical spectroscopy techniques
Developing good publication record in relevant field of research
Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills (in English)

Desired Requirements:

Demonstrated understanding of applying advanced characterization techniques to study degradation of nuclear structural materials and fuels
Experience with multi-modal application of advanced characterization techniques to elucidate a mechanistic understanding of various degradation phenomena
Proficiency with utilizing different research analytical software, including Origin, Python, ImageJ, and MATLAB
Demonstration of technical and professional outreach leadership

Job Information:

The salary for this position is $96,900.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
You are required to show a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
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.

Benefits and Relocation

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
Paid time off (personal leave)
Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
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 5,800 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./

Selective Service RequirementsTo 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 OpportunityIdaho 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.

Reasonable AccommodationWe 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 InformationWhen 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.

Job: Postdoc

Organization: Nuclear Science & Technology (Cxxx)

Title: MSIPP Postdoctoral Research Associate – Nuclear Fuels

Location: ID-Idaho Falls

Requisition ID: 21807