Summary
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Nuclear Engineer to join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND). This role involves conducting research and development in nuclear nonproliferation, specifically utilizing computational nuclear reactor physics through modeling and simulation (M&S). The successful candidate will perform analysis and methods development in areas such as reactor core physics, nuclear fuel cycle assessments, radionuclide inventories, and source terms, contributing to programs for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Department of Energy (DOE), and other government agencies.
Designation
Postdoctoral Nuclear Engineer
Research Area
- Nuclear Nonproliferation
- Computational Nuclear Reactor Physics (Modeling & Simulation)
- Reactor Core Physics
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle Assessments
- Radionuclide Inventories and Source Terms
- Neutron Transport and Reactor Analysis
- Advanced Reactor Modeling
- Safeguards Metrics Evaluation
Location
Oak Ridge, Tennessee (TN), United States
Eligibility/Qualification
Basic Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, completed within the last 5 years.
- Demonstrated recent and relevant research and development experience in nuclear reactor physics.
- Experience with neutron transport and reactor analysis software (e.g., SCALE code system, MCNP, OpenMC, Serpent, VERA, MOOSE codes).
- Proficiency in common programming and scripting languages (e.g., Python, C++, Matlab, JavaScript).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of codes in related disciplines such as thermal hydraulics, actinide chemistry, fuel cycle analysis, particle physics, or uncertainty quantification.
- A minimum of two years of recent experience in nuclear reactor analysis and/or reactor analysis methods development.
- Experience with various operating systems, high-performance computing, and SLURM systems.
- Familiarity with nuclear nonproliferation goals, concepts, and approaches (e.g., international safeguards, domestic material control and accounting).
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing needs.
- Excellent verbal, presentation, and writing skills.
Special Requirements:
- Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application.
- All degree requirements must be completed before starting the appointment.
- The appointment length will be up to 24 months with potential for extension, subject to performance and funding.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy; this is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Job Description
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Conduct research and development in nuclear reactor analysis modeling and simulation, including:
- Steady-state and depletion core analysis.
- Fuel cycle analysis and evaluations.
- Research reactor design and analysis.
- Characterization of isotopic content of nuclear materials.
- Detector response to radiation sources.
- Model conceptual advanced reactors and their subsystems.
- Evaluate safeguards metrics during hypothetical reactor misuse scenarios.
- Collaborate with researchers and engineers across divisions and directorates to execute NNSA programs.
- Prepare and present periodic reports documenting research and development activities.
- Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
- Maintain a strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
- Occasional travel to support domestic and international engagements related to work scope.
How to Apply
Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to Postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov 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.
Accepted document formats: Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size.
Last Date for Apply
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.
