Metallic Fuel, PIE, Fabrication, Characterization Postdoctoral Research Associate

Overview

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Metallic Nuclear Fuel Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the Fuels PIE Department. The team works a 4X10 schedule in the Materials and Fuels Complex with every Friday off. You will engage with the ongoing research development activities for assigned nuclear facilities (Cat A, Cat B, nonreactor, etc.) plete research in a variety of metallic nuclear fuel systems and look for opportunities to enrich experience and knowledge.

INL values:
Excellence, Inclusivity, Integrity, Ownership, Teamwork, Safety. The ideal candidate has a can-do attitude, is a problem solver, willing to pitch in, and is hardworking. You should be ready to work in a challenging research environment, embrace curiosity, growth mindset, and resiliency.

Advance professional development and begin the transition from student to independent researcher in the field of metallic fuel research. This includes understanding the metal fuel fabrication process, mechanical testing of fresh and irradiated samples, and understanding irradiation behavior of metallic fuel.

• Primarily responsible for developing fabrication, investigation, and post-irradiation examination plans; overseeing data collection, reduction and analysis of performance data; and publication of results in internal reports and the open literature.
• Provide analysis and evaluation of data from experiments on different testing concepts related to metallic fuels. Produce results by fulfilling and sometimes exceeding expectations of advanced fuel campaign programs.
• Collaborate with other INL scientists and modeling experts to expand understanding and application of fresh and PIE experiments to accelerate nuclear fuel development.
• Build and maintain productive, collaborative relationships with mentors, INL program leadership, and other collaborators to assess performance of nuclear fuels and the execution of fresh and post-irradiation examinations. Provide insight to INL facilities and program leadership on future instrument needs for nuclear fabrication, characterization and PIE examinations.
• Author and contribute to publications in the area of specialty. Present results at national and international conferences. Contribute to peer review work of others within and external to the PIE department.
• Maintain familiarity with scientific literature and state-of-the-art developments to set the foundation for new research pathways and critically interpret existing data and theories.
• Grow relationships with universities within the US and internationally to develop partnerships that will support nuclear fuels research in the future and advance the INL mission.
• Mentor or provide guidance to interns and technicians.

• PhD degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials science (PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years).
• In-depth knowledge of metallic nuclear fuel fabrication, characterization and PIE.
• Prior laboratory experience in hot cells or nuclear facilities is an asset.
• Excellent writing skillset with a proven publication record.

• At least 1 first-author publication per year
• Milestone reports on time and with high quality
• Complete the review of one aspect of fuel performance for metallic fuel systems
• Co-author at least 1 proposal (LDRD seed, CINR, RTE) focused on metallic fuel per year
• Complete facility hands-on training as applicable
• Stay engaged with the metal fuel performance team within AFC
• Work with the Natrium Team on data packages

Annual Salary: $

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…