Nuclear Fuel Performance Postdoctoral Research… at Idaho… · Idaho…

Summary: Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to support national fuel development and qualification efforts within the Fuel Development, Performance and Qualification department. The successful candidate will focus on analyzing experimental data from irradiated fuels and materials to understand performance and degradation mechanisms, contributing to national research programs and collaborating with industry partners. Responsibilities: - Analyze PIE data to identify irradiation-induced changes in fuels and structural materials - Correlate experimental observations with thermomechanical behavior and fuel performance - Support the development of data-driven insights to inform fuel qualification strategies - Conduct microscopy-based characterization (e.g., SEM, TEM, FIB) as needed to support data interpretation - Collaborate with modeling teams to integrate experimental results into simulation frameworks - Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and present findings at conferences - Engage with multidisciplinary teams across national labs, academia, and industry Required Qualifications: - Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field - PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years - Experience analyzing experimental data related to irradiated materials or nuclear fuels - Understanding of irradiation effects, materials degradation, or fuel behavior under extreme conditions Preferred Qualifications: - Background in fuel performance, development, modeling or materials degradation mechanisms - Experience with metallic alloys of nuclear fuels, especially U10Mo - Familiarity with microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM, FIB) - Strong publication record and ability to work in collaborative research environments Required Skills: Post-irradiation examination (PIE) data analysis, Irradiation effects, Materials degradation, Fuel performance modeling, Microscopy techniques, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB), Nuclear fuels, Metallic alloys of nuclear fuels, U10Mo alloy Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions), Paid time off (personal leave), Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions), Comprehensive Relocation Package