Postdoctoral Research Associate - Tritium Breeding Blanket Analysis
About The Position
The Fusion Energy Division (FED) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory invites applications for a Nuclear Engineering position in the Blanket & Fuel Cycle Group. FED is developing the technical basis for the first fusion nuclear facility and the position will involve several disciplines, with an intended focus on design, analysis, and optimization of fluid flows in tritium breeding blankets, including computational fluid dynamic (CFD), thermal hydraulic, and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) analyses. We seek individuals with advanced analytical and computational skills who can use and modify open-source codes to develop technical solutions and explore integrated design and optimization of tritium breeding blanket systems and related component designs. The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team of simulation, design, and technology authorities, and should have a clear passion for R&D and a commitment to fostering team growth.
Requirements
- A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field of study.
- Experience in computational fluid dynamics or thermal hydraulic simulation.
- Proven scientific research ability evidenced through peer-reviewed publications and/or presentations at technical conferences.
- Excellent communication skills including verbal, presentation, and writing skills are required to enable effective interaction with technical peers and program managers.
Nice To Haves
- Ideal candidates will possess a background in nuclear engineering.
- Previous experience using thermal hydraulics models and codes
- Previous experience using the MOOSE framework.
- Familiarity with magnetohydrodynamic flow.
- Experience in design and analysis of fusion reactor components, specifically tritium breeding blankets. General familiarity with a variety of blanket concepts (solid, liquid metal, and molten salt breeders) is a plus.
- Experience in the analysis of heat transfer systems.
- Working knowledge of computer languages such as C++, FORTRAN, or Python.
- Experience with computer aided design (CAD) software.
Responsibilities
- Analyze variety of engineering problems using traditional analytical methods and finite element analysis packages to prove designs meet established design standards. Provide hand calculations to support the design.
- Perform computational fluid dynamic, computational magnetohydrodynamic, thermal hydraulic, and mass transport simulations of tritium breeding blanket designs.
- Collaboration with a broad, diverse, and multi-institutional team, including experimentalists, design engineers, and computational scientists, on the design and optimization of tritium breeding blankets and fusion reactor cooling systems.
- Prepare schedules, cost estimates, status updates, and performance reports for responsible projects.
- Effectively communicate project outcomes to ORNL management and project sponsors, both internal and external.
- Timely dissemination of research results through publications and presentations at scientific conferences and workshops.
- Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
- Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Benefits
- ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hard-working people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Dental Plan
- Vision Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Contributory Pension Plan
- Life Insurance
- Disability Benefits
- Generous Vacation and Holidays
- Parental Leave
- Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Accounts
- Wellness Programs
- Educational Assistance
- Relocation Assistance
- Employee Discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
