Advanced Controls and Predictive Analytics Postdoctoral Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nuclear Engineering or comparable discipline for the Instrumentation and Controls Department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on research, development, and demonstration of advanced control algorithms and predictive analytics capabilities for advanced reactor technologies. This postdoctoral position supports the research, development, and demonstration of advanced control and predictive maintenance technologies for nuclear energy systems. The selected candidate responsibilities will span machine learning model development, hardware-in-the-loop testing, user interface design, and human factors evaluation. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary research teams including national laboratories, universities, and industry partners to advance these technologies from proof-of-concept to market-ready solutions. The candidate will also engage with a broad range of external stakeholders including nuclear utilities, technology vendors, and regulatory bodies. The candidate will be responsible for leading publication of research outcomes in high impact journals, peer-reviewed conferences, demonstration, and presentation to lab leadership. The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers. The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Requirements

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Sciences or Applied Mathematics (with an energy systems focus) or comparable disciplines
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years
• Familiarity with advanced reactor concepts including small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors
• Expertise in advanced control strategies for dynamic systems
• Experience with real-time control system deployment, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing in representative experimental environments
• Familiarity with automation level frameworks and human-automation interaction standards for complex engineered systems
• Proficiency in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Scikit-learn) for developing data-driven models in engineering applications
• Experience with diagnostic and prognostic model development
• Demonstrated ability to work with heterogeneous data types, including vibration signals, time-series sensor data, imagery, and tabular records
• Foundational knowledge of nuclear reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, and plant instrumentation and control (I&C) systems
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English

Nice To Haves

• Experience integrating large language models (LLMs) or conversational AI interfaces into scientific or engineering decision-support tools
• Experience with transfer learning techniques to adapt and generalize ML models across different operational environments or datasets

Responsibilities

• Research, development, and demonstration of advanced control algorithms and predictive analytics capabilities for advanced reactor technologies.
• Machine learning model development.
• Hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• User interface design.
• Human factors evaluation.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary research teams including national laboratories, universities, and industry partners.
• Engage with a broad range of external stakeholders including nuclear utilities, technology vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Leading publication of research outcomes in high impact journals, peer-reviewed conferences, demonstration, and presentation to lab leadership.
• Writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication.
• Presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

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