X-Ray and Neutron Sciences Early Career Scientist

Overview

Idaho National Laboratory's Nuclear Materials Performance Division is seeking a forward-thinking Early Career Scientist to join the X-Ray and Neutron Sciences group. This position focuses on applying X-ray diffraction, X-ray scattering, and complementary advanced characterization techniques to understand the structure, behavior, and degradation of nuclear fuels, structural materials, and other energy-relevant materials.

• Conduct X-ray diffraction and X-ray scattering experiments on non-irradiated and irradiated materials, including those associated with light water reactors, advanced reactors, and nuclear fuel cycle applications.
• Perform crystallographic, microstructural, and statistical analysis of diffraction and scattering data across areas including powder and single-crystal XRD, high-energy X-ray diffraction, SAXS/WAXS, texture analysis, residual strain/stress measurement, and phase identification.
• Integrate X-ray and neutron characterization results with complementary microscopy, spectroscopy, mechanical testing, thermal property, and modeling data.
• Work with senior technical staff, principal investigators, facility leads, and program managers to support post-irradiation examination and advanced characterization programs. Collaborate with internal and external customers to ensure characterization data is collected, analyzed, documented, and delivered with the quality and technical rigor required for nuclear fuels and materials research.
• Coordinate sample preparation in support of laboratory-based and synchrotron-based X-ray characterization activities.
• Support development and deployment of new experimental workflows, analysis methods, and instrument capabilities for X-ray and neutron characterization.
• Prepare technical reports, journal manuscripts, conference presentations, and sponsor deliverables.
• Support proposal development and contribute new research ideas related to advanced characterization of nuclear materials.
• Maintain awareness of emerging developments in X-ray diffraction, synchrotron scattering, neutron scattering, in situ characterization, and data analytics.
• Work safely and effectively in laboratory, radiological, and nuclear facility environments.

• Ph.D. in materials science, nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with X-ray diffraction, X-ray scattering, crystallography, or related materials characterization methods.
• Familiarity with materials microstructure, phase analysis, crystallographic texture, residual strain/stress, or structure-property relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare technical reports, research presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Commitment to safe, secure, and compliant work practices in laboratory and nuclear research environments.

• Experience with synchrotron X-ray diffraction or scattering experiments.
• Experience with neutron diffraction or neutron scattering techniques.
• Experience characterizing nuclear fuels, irradiated materials, structural alloys, ceramics, actinide-bearing materials, or radioactive materials.
• Experience with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
• Familiarity with post-irradiation examination methods and nuclear materials research.
• Experience with Rietveld refinement, pair distribution function analysis, small-angle scattering analysis, high-energy diffraction microscopy, texture analysis, or residual stress analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, GSAS-II, Full Prof, TOPAS, MAUD, Fit2D, pyFAI, DAWN, or similar data analysis tools.
• Experience integrating experimental characterization results with modeling, simulation, machine learning, or data analytics.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or technical reports.
• Interest in developing new experimental capabilities for in situ, operando, high-temperature, mechanical loading, or irradiated-material characterization.

The pay range for this position is $79,344 - $162,732. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

• 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
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

EEO and Compliance: Idaho National Laboratory 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…