Coated Particle Fuel X-ray Microscopy Scientist

Coated Particle Fuel X-ray Microscopy Scientist

ORNL is the largest science and energy laboratory in the US Department of Energy. It conducts research to solve energy and security problems.

Join the ORNL Particle Fuel Fabrication (PFF) Group as a highly motivated individual with expertise in applying advanced characterization technique and data analysis skills to coated particle fuels. The PFF group is dedicated to driving innovation in coated particle fuel technologies for various nuclear applications. The Coated Particle Fuel Development Laboratory (CPFDL) serves as the central facility for the PFF group's research and development, housing advanced capabilities for coated particle research.

While PFF staff also engage in research and development activities in the Irradiated Fuels Examination Laboratory (IFEL), exploring irradiation performance of coated particle fuels.

The chosen candidate will have experience in nuclear fuels and materials research and development preferably of established tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel designs, expertise in materials characterization and data handling, and an interest in advancing deployment of coated particle fuel concepts. Of particular interest is experience with performing x-ray computed tomography (XCT) imaging and the data analysis of images acquired using that method to identify features of interest and perform quantitative 3D image segmentation.

The candidate will engage with scientists and principle investigators for projects within the PFF and other groups within the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division (NEFCD) to support overarching goals using XCT imaging and analysis, as well as propose and collaboratively develop new avenues of application for these techniques. Other areas of focus include applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to streamline and improve existing particle fuels characterization methods, including both 2D microscopy and 3D XCT image analysis.

Additionally, they will be responsible for presenting research findings at meetings and conferences, leading academic publications, and contributing to programmatic reporting.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform routine XCT imaging of as-fabricated and irradiated TRISO particles, identify features of interest in special particles, and generate polishing guides to support further destructive materialography.
• Develop new applications for XCT imaging, particularly within the nuclear fuels and structural materials application space, working collaboratively with other scientists.
• Apply machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to innovate in particle fuels characterization methods, particularly regarding XCT image analysis.
• Lead technical publications and conference presentations in the field of nuclear fuel materials.
• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related disciplines.
• Experience with materials characterization and image analysis.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance from the Department of Energy, which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with XCT imaging.
• Experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence applications to characterization and image analysis.
• Experience performing research at a United States Department of Energy national laboratory nuclear or radiological facility.
• Experience with materials characterization of coated particle fuel forms e.g. TRISO fuels
• Demonstrated ability to achieve successful outcomes both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to support regular interactions with fellow technical and research staff and help prepare internal reports and external publications.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP)…