Advanced Controls and Predictive Analytics Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Description

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well‑qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nuclear Engineering or a comparable discipline for the Instrumentation and Controls Department. The role focuses on research, development, and demonstration of advanced control algorithms and predictive analytics capabilities for advanced reactor technologies. The team operates on a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls, with every other Friday off.

This position supports the research, development, and demonstration of advanced control and predictive maintenance technologies for nuclear energy systems. Responsibilities include machine learning model development, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) testing, user interface design, and human‑factor evaluation. The successful candidate will collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams, including national laboratories, universities, and industry partners, and engage with external stakeholders such as nuclear utilities, technology vendors, and regulatory bodies.

The candidate will lead publication of research outcomes in high‑impact journals and present findings at national and international conferences.

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Sciences, or Applied Mathematics (with an energy systems focus) or comparable disciplines
• PhD completed by the commencement of appointment and within the previous five 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 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 such as Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Keras, and Scikit‑learn for developing data‑driven models in engineering applications
• Experience with diagnostic and prognostic model development
• 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 written communication skills in English

• 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

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The annual pay for this position is $.

• 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

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1‑B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the application screens. Applicants who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions may be deemed ineligible for consideration. INL does not accept resumes from third‑party vendors unsolicited.