Postdoctoral Research Associate, Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer

Requisition Id 17151 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and conduct the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace. 

The Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Cycle Analysis Group (RNFCA) Group is seeking candidates to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate, Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer role. This role is responsible for working with state-of-the-art modeling and simulation capabilities for lattice physics, reactor core, spent fuel, and fuel cycle applications through leadership in the development and analysis of SCALE and/or the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) simulations and in collaboration with industry, national laboratories and university researchers. ORNL has world-leading nuclear, radiological and scientific facilities, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and this role would support the neutronics and thermal-hydraulics analysis.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Design, develop, optimize and analyze reactor models using world-class modeling and simulation codes (SCALE, VERA, OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, MOOSE) to support the design and development of next generation nuclear reactors.
• Develop and analyze fuel cycle models using Cyclus to evaluate advanced fuel cycle strategies to support the design and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.
• Work effectively individually and within a team to meet the requirements of projects.
• Communicate effectively the work performed through journal articles, presentations, reports, and code documentation.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a PhD in nuclear engineering or a related field completed within the past 5 years. 
• Knowledge of nuclear reactor analysis R&D is required as demonstrated through research and associated publications.
• Experience using SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, and/or MOOSE and familiarity with reactor systems and concepts.
• Programming/scripting experience including the use of one or more of C/C++, Python, Fortran, Git, and CMake an asset.
• Writing and communication skills and the ability to publish.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Multiphysics software and simulations an asset.
• Previous experience with the development and implementation of numerical algorithms in advanced modeling and simulation software related to reactor physics analysis an asset.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to View email address on us.fitly.work with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email View email address on us.fitly.work.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.