Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) Research Scientist

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

11d • $79,344 - $195,288 • Onsite

About The Position

As part of INL’s Nuclear Nexus, you’ll be at the forefront of advancing nuclear energy breakthroughs, uncovering critical insights from irradiated fuels to power America’s energy leadership. Your research will directly support INL’s legacy of innovation, shaping the future of safe, reliable, and cutting-edge energy solutions. This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to missions that define the next era of nuclear technology. This position is located at our Materials and Fuels Complex, which hosts the core of the U.S. nuclear research and development capabilities with a diverse array of facilities designed for remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. A new fuel idea can be designed, fabricated, tested, and analyzed at MFC to better understand the effects of irradiation. Many groups, such as universities, industry partners, other national laboratories, international research organizations, and other federal agencies are working at MFC. Our team works a 4x10 schedule with every Friday off.

Requirements

• Giving full attention to what people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Communication skills, including providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analytical reasoning skills include using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Knowledge of nuclear fuels and materials, experience in the design, fabrication, and/or execution of irradiation experiments, and an understanding of nuclear reactor systems, theory, and safety regarding experiment implementation at a nuclear reactor/facility.
• Knowledge of relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Level 2: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field with a strong emphasis on materials characterization and 0 years' experience.
• Level 3: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field with a strong emphasis on materials characterization and 2 years' experience.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with TEM characterization of nuclear materials.
• Familiarity with other microscopy and characterization techniques such as SEM, and XRD.
• Hands-on experience with advanced TEM techniques such as electron diffraction, EELS, and tomography.
• Advanced degree in a related engineering or scientific field from an accredited institution.
• Experience and knowledge pertinent to executing work in accordance with standards of ASME NQA-1 2000 as implemented by the INL Quality Program or equivalent.
• Experience working with remote systems and hot cells.

Responsibilities

• Engage with the ongoing research development activities for assigned nuclear facility (Cat A, Cat B, non-reactor, etc.) at INL. Complete research in a variety of nuclear specialties.
• Responsible for leading the planning, designing, and analyzing of irradiation experiments to evaluate the performance of advanced nuclear fuels and materials. Primarily responsible for developing post-irradiation examination plans, overseeing data collection, reduction, and analysis of the performance data, and publication of results in internal reports and the open literature.
• Provide analysis and evaluation of data from experiments on different fuel and cladding concepts.
• Collaborate with other INL PIE scientists and modeling experts to expand the understanding and application of PIE experiments to facilitate the shortening of the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Work closely with INL program leadership, industry partners, and other collaborators to assess the performance of nuclear fuels and cladding through execution of post-irradiation examinations. Provide insight to INL facilities on future instrument needs for INL PIE examinations.
• Author or contribute to publications in area of specialty. Present results at national and international conferences. Contribute to peer review work of others both within or external to the PIE department.
• Maintain familiarity with scientific literature.
• Establish relationships with universities within the US and internationally to develop partnerships that will be needed to support PIE in the future and advance the INL mission.
• Mentor or provide guidance to junior scientists, technicians, or post-doctoral 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree