Nonproliferation Nuclear Fuel Cycle Researcher
About The Position
This position provides technical leadership within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division, overseeing and contributing to the planning and execution of technical, hands-on work. The role focuses on advancing Idaho National Laboratory's (INL) capabilities and programs related to the nuclear fuel cycle, with a specific emphasis on nuclear fuel reprocessing. Responsibilities include supporting the development and deployment of advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies to address proliferation risks, preparing technical diagrams like process flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams, and performing mass and energy balances for nuclear fuel cycle systems. The position also involves supporting laboratory and pilot-scale system design, fabrication, installation, and operation. Additionally, the researcher will publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, pursue patents, and demonstrate leadership in proposal writing and business development. This role will develop strategic R&D activities for NNSA and other customers and mentor early-career staff. Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering or directly related engineering degree from a program accredited by ABET.
- Level 4: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 9 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 6+ years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.
- Level 5: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 14 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 8+ years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in nuclear fuel cycle unit operations (engineering expertise in nuclear fuel reprocessing to include dissolution, off-gas treatment, chemical separations, and solidification).
- 1 year of demonstrated leadership supporting NNSA and nonproliferation programs.
- Must be able to prove a strong network across DOE, industry, universities, and other national laboratories.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with computational modeling for process design and evaluation is desired.
- Experience with nondestructive assay methods for radiation detection and analytical chemistry as applied to nonproliferation mission areas is preferred.
- Advanced degree in chemical engineering or related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
- Experience with nondestructive assay techniques for radiation detection and analytical chemistry methods.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership for projects within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division.
- Oversee and contribute to the planning and execution of technical hands-on work.
- Advance INL capabilities and programs surrounding the nuclear fuel cycle, with a particular emphasis on nuclear fuel reprocessing.
- Support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies, addressing proliferation risk to deploy with confidence.
- Prepare process flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams.
- Perform mass and energy balances as applied to nuclear fuel cycle systems.
- Support laboratory and pilot-scale system design, fabrication, installation, and operation.
- Publish research works in peer-reviewed journal publications.
- Present at conferences.
- Generate patents.
- Demonstrate leadership in proposal writing and business development.
- Develop strategic R&D activities in support of NNSA and other customers.
- Serve as an important resource for mentoring early-career staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
