Nonproliferation Nuclear Fuel Cycle Researcher
About The Position
The Nonproliferation Nuclear Fuel Cycle Researcher provides technical leadership for projects within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division and advances INL programs and capabilities related to the nuclear fuel cycle, particularly nuclear fuel reprocessing. The role supports development and deployment of advanced fuel-cycle technologies while addressing proliferation risks, and includes planning and performing hands-on technical work, supporting laboratory and pilot-scale systems, and developing strategic R&D activities for NNSA and other customers. The researcher also mentors early-career staff and contributes to research publications, conference presentations, patents, proposal writing, and business development. The position is based at the Idaho Falls, Idaho facility and follows a 9x80 schedule, with every other Friday off. It is a multi-level posting, with placement at Level 4 or Level 5 based on the depth and breadth of experience and skills. Periodic travel is required, and the role may occasionally require special shifts or weekend work. Work includes office and laboratory settings, with laboratory field work subject to variable weather and potential mechanical, electrical, pressure, temperature, and other hazards. Required safety equipment and periodic safety training may apply. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering or a directly related engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program.
- At Level 4: bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or another related technical discipline plus 9 years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree in mechanical engineering or another related degree with 6 or more years of relevant experience, or a closely related field from an ABET-accredited program.
- At Level 5: bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or another related technical discipline plus 14 years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree in mechanical engineering or another related degree with 8 or more years of relevant experience, or a closely related field from an ABET-accredited program.
- At least 5 years of experience in nuclear fuel-cycle unit operations, including engineering expertise in reprocessing such as dissolution, off-gas treatment, chemical separations, and solidification.
- At least 1 year of demonstrated leadership supporting NNSA and nonproliferation programs.
- A strong network across DOE, industry, universities, and other national laboratories.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
- Ability to perform work involving standing, walking, sitting, stooping, bending, keyboarding or typing, handling materials, manipulating tools, reaching, and operating job-related equipment; occasional lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds without assistance.
- Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with people.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with computational modeling for process design and evaluation.
- Experience with nondestructive assay techniques for radiation detection and analytical chemistry methods.
- Advanced degree in chemical engineering or a related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership for Nuclear Nonproliferation Division projects and oversee or contribute to planning and execution of hands-on technical work.
- Advance INL capabilities and programs involving the nuclear fuel cycle, particularly nuclear fuel reprocessing.
- Support development and deployment of advanced nuclear fuel-cycle technologies while addressing proliferation risk.
- Prepare process flow diagrams and piping and instrumentation diagrams, and perform mass and energy balances for nuclear fuel-cycle systems.
- Support design, fabrication, installation, and operation of laboratory- and pilot-scale systems.
- Publish peer-reviewed research, present at conferences, generate patents, and demonstrate leadership in proposal writing and business development.
- Develop strategic R&D activities in support of NNSA and other customers.
- Mentor early-career staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Comply with applicable information security and privacy policies, complete required initial and annual role-specific training, and sign required access agreements.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match for regular positions; postdoctoral positions have self-contribute access.
- Paid time off (personal leave).
- Employee Education Program with tuition assistance for eligible positions.
- Comprehensive relocation package. Benefit eligibility depends on factors including employment status and position classification.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
