Research Scientist

Research Scientist

The department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering within the VCU College of Engineering is seeking a Research Scientist in Computational Nuclear Engineering to support and advance research in computational modeling and simulation for nuclear science and engineering applications. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research programs involving advanced computational methods, reactor physics and multiphysics modeling, nuclear system design and analysis, and applications related to isotope production and isotope science.

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean's office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduate and 500 graduate students in several degree programs supported by more than 650 full-time, part-time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city of Richmond, and commitment to respect and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The position will support the research and educational objectives of a federally funded program focused on developing improved approaches for the efficient production of isotopes of interest and educating and training students to meet the growing workforce needs of the isotope R&D and production community. The Research Scientist will work closely with faculty, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and external collaborators and will be expected to contribute both technical expertise and research leadership to the group.

The primary responsibilities of this position include:

• Computational Research and Method Development: Conduct and support computational research in nuclear science and engineering, including the development, implementation, verification, and application of advanced modeling and simulation methods for nuclear systems, with particular emphasis on applications supporting isotope production, isotope science, and related nuclear technologies.

• Collaborative Research: Partner with faculty, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and external collaborators in the execution of existing research initiatives by providing expertise in computational nuclear system design, numerical modeling, simulation, data analysis, and interpretation of computational results.

• Development of New Research Directions: Assist in identifying, evaluating, and developing new research opportunities aligned with the group's expertise, from literature review, initial concept development and feasibility studies through proposal preparation and project execution.

• External Research Funding: Actively participate in the development of externally funded research proposals to federal agencies and other sponsors. The successful candidate will be highly encouraged to develop independent and collaborative research ideas and, when appropriate and consistent with University and sponsor policies, serve as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator in collaboration with faculty and other researchers.

• Research Documentation and Communication: Document computational methodologies, models, software, data, and research findings and communicate results effectively to faculty, students, project sponsors, external collaborators, and other stakeholders through technical reports, presentations, and project meetings.

• Scholarly Dissemination: Lead and contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, technical reports, and presentations at established national and international conferences in nuclear science and engineering.

• Student Mentoring and Workforce Development: Provide technical guidance and day-to-day research mentoring to undergraduate and graduate students involved in computational nuclear engineering and isotope-related research. Contribute to the education and training of students in computational tools, modeling methodologies, research practices, and scientific communication relevant to careers in the nuclear and isotope R&D communities.

• Project Execution: Work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and time-sensitive research environment and contribute to the timely completion of project milestones, deliverables, sponsor requirements, and research objectives.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in nuclear engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience that equates to a Ph.D.
• Have some full-time research or professional experience in computational nuclear engineering or closely related areas
• Demonstrated experience with one or more nuclear analysis codes such as MCNP, OpenMC, SCALE, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific or engineering journals and present research at established technical or scientific conferences
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced computational expertise in reactor physics, radiation transport, multiphysics modeling, isotope production, or related nuclear applications
• Scientific programming and high-performance computing experience, including proficiency with languages such as Python, C/C++, or Fortran
• Strong research productivity, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and other significant scholarly contributions
• Experience in research development and leadership, including proposal preparation, externally funded research, student mentoring, or coordination of collaborative research activities

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 3324B - Scientist RS Base

Unit: College Of Engineering MBU

Department: Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Sierra Cloud Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer