Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), IMDEA Energy Institute, Spain

Summary

IMDEA Energy Institute (a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence) is recruiting a talented, motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for an interdisciplinary research project between the Artificial Intelligence Unit and the Nuclear Technologies Unit. The candidate will lead a new research line focused on applying advanced AI techniques to model, simulate, predict, optimize, and evaluate Small Modular Reactor (SMR) systems.

Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Artificial Intelligence, Hybrid Modelling and Digital Twins for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Key Information Overview

Designation

• Postdoctoral Researcher

Research Area

• Artificial Intelligence & Nuclear Engineering: Scientific computing, Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) / Hybrid modeling, Digital Twins, Surrogate modeling, and Predictive maintenance applied to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Location

• IMDEA Energía, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Compulsory Requirements:

• Education: PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or equivalent engineering with a heavy focus on computational modeling.
• Modeling Experience: Proven track record (evidenced by specific publications in the motivation letter) in scientific modeling, simulation, and/or control of complex nonlinear dynamical physical systems.
• AI Expertise: Demonstrated experience with data-based modeling and AI methodologies.
• Programming Skills: Solid proficiency in Python (provide link to GitHub or portfolio in CV).

Desirable / Other Merits to Value:

• Strong track record of scientific publications in AI.
• Domain knowledge in thermo-hydraulics, heat transfer, nuclear energy, or reactor safety.
• Experience with physical simulation tools (e.g., MOOSE, RELAP, TRACE, OpenModelica, OpenFOAM, OpenMC, ANSYS, COMSOL).
• Familiarity with Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), surrogate models, and Digital Twin architectures.
• Experience with time-series analysis, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and reinforcement learning.
• Knowledge of uncertainty quantification, robustness, and Explainable AI (XAI).
• Experience with GPU computing, HPC, AWS, and standard software engineering practices (version control, CI/CD, testing).
• Practical experience contributing to international research/industrial consortia.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Job Description & Responsibilities

• State-of-the-Art Review: Conduct reviews of physical, data-based, and hybrid models and digital twins in nuclear systems to define the scientific roadmap.
• Model Selection & Architecture: Identify and select AI methodologies and base physical models (neutronics, thermal-hydraulics) to construct digital twins for SMRs.
• Hybrid & Surrogate Modeling: Design hybrid models combining physical equations and AI techniques to estimate unmeasurable variables; build ML surrogate models to accelerate simulations.
• Demonstrator Development: Build, test, and validate an initial digital twin demonstrator for an SMR component or system.
• Predictive Analytics: Implement early anomaly detection, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance tools.
• Validation & Data Management: Analyze and curate databases from simulated and experimental data; incorporate uncertainty quantification and model validation.
• Dissemination & Mentorship: Contribute to project proposals and deliverables, publish in top-tier journals, present at international conferences, and co-supervise students.

How to Apply

1. Visit the IMDEA Energy official job portal: IMDEA Energy Offer #429.
2. Complete the online Application Form via the portal.
3. Required Documents to Upload:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) (including GitHub/portfolio link)
   • PhD Certificate
   • Motivation Letter (highlighting specific publications relevant to physical modeling and AI)
   • Relevant Scientific Publications

Last Date for Application

• September 24, 2026

Link