Advanced Controls and Predictive Analytics Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Overview

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

• Develop machine-learning models for advanced control and predictive maintenance of nuclear energy systems.
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing and real-time control system deployment in representative experimental environments.
• Design and implement user interfaces and evaluate human‑automation interaction standards.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, national laboratories, universities, industry partners, utilities, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead the publication of research outcomes in high‑impact journals, peer‑reviewed conferences, demonstrations, and presentations to laboratory leadership.

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics (with an energy‑systems focus) completed within the previous five years.
• Familiarity with advanced reactor concepts including SMRs and microreactors.
• Expertise in advanced control strategies for dynamic systems.
• Experience with real‑time control system deployment, integration, and HITL testing.
• Familiarity with automation‑level frameworks and human‑automation interaction standards for complex engineered systems.
• Proficiency in machine‑learning and AI frameworks (Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Keras, Scikit‑learn).
• Experience developing diagnostic and prognostic models.
• Ability to work with heterogeneous data types (vibration signals, time‑series sensor data, imagery, tabular records).
• Foundational knowledge of nuclear‑reactor physics, thermal‑hydraulics, and plant instrumentation and control systems.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

• Experience integrating large‑language models 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.

Frequent standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, and work in an office and laboratory environment. Hand/finger dexterity for keyboard use and tool manipulation, occasional lifting up to 35 lbs, and operation of job‑related equipment and vehicle driving may be required. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Pay: $ Annually

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with 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.
• Benefit eligibility subject to factors such as employment status and position classification.

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It provides 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.

Individuals with disabilities can request accommodations to participate in job application or interview processes, perform essential job functions, and receive other employment benefits. Contact the lab for accommodation requests.