Computational Fusion Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Nuclear Science and Technology Directorate (NS&T) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to INL’s efforts in the field of fusion modeling and simulation. INL is building leading fusion modeling and simulation capabilities and research will include topics in many areas of fusion systems depending on the scientist’s expertise, including tritium transport modeling, thermomechanics, neutronics, thermal hydraulics, and multiphysics.

In this position, the researcher will contribute to the development, maintenance, and support of fusion engineering and numerical models and perform analysis and research using these tools. This research work will build on the open source applications TMAP8, SALAMANDER, MOOSE, and general fusion modeling capabilities. You will interface with the fusion safety group, the MOOSE department, with other research groups at INL, and with researchers at other national laboratories and universities, as well as private partners.

You will work on diverse problems, demonstrating good judgment within defined procedures in finding imaginative, thorough, and practical solutions.

• Demonstrate knowledge of nuclear and computational science.
• Be a strong asset to our high-energy R&D team and work effectively both in isolation and as a member of a team.
• Be self-motivated but also take input and coaching from mentors and provide input in a constructive manner to others while maintaining a positive and professional relationship with all, even while under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Develop and demonstrate oral and written communication skills as extensive documentation of work is required, which typically entails authorship of technical reports, online documentation, user’s manuals, and research papers for refereed journals and proceedings.
• Participate in peer review of others’ work, contribute to the development of new computational capabilities within NS&T, and seek out new research opportunities.
• Mentor interns and other staff members as appropriate.

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Computational Science or comparable disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment or within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend. 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. 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.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Collaborative Computing Center facility with every other Friday off.

• The pay for this position is $105,144 annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self‑contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

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 6,300 scientists, researchers,…