Computational Magnetohydrodynamics Engineer

Requisition  Overview:  The Fusion Energy Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks applications for a skilled Computational Magneto hydrodynamics Engineer, with intended focus on magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) flows of electrically conducting liquids in a magnetic field, such as liquid metals (LMs) as well as plasma physics relevant to breeding/cooling fusion energy applications. The selected candidate will work on and lead various tasks related to coupled phenomena between fusion plasma and LM MHD flows in a fusion blanket or LM divertor.

We seek individuals with advanced computational skills who can lead computational and experimental activities using commercial codes to compare with experiments and also be able to develop new computational models and computer programs. The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team of simulation/design, and technology experts.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:  The successful candidate will be involved in both developing new and applying existing models and simulation tools to understand physical processes in fusion applications that involve liquid metal magneto hydrodynamics and plasma physics, such as breeding blankets and liquid-metal plasma facing components.
The selected candidate will be responsible for interaction with division staff and the external collaborators that work with the ORNL research group under the research projects funded by DOE, such as an ongoing SciDAC project on “Center for Simulation of Plasma - Liquid Metal Interactions in Plasma Facing Components and Breeding Blankets of a Fusion Power Reactor” and the FIRE collaborative project “Advancing the maturity of liquid metal (LM) plasma facing materials and first wall concepts”.

The candidate will be expected to work independently, lead, perform and collaborate on simulation/design and experimental activities, and fully document the work in technical reports and publications. The candidate will also be responsible for writing research proposals.

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.

Basic Qualifications:

PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal-Mechanics, Fluids, or a closely related field. Experience in the development and application of complex engineering codes and preferable to have familiarity with fusion reactor concepts. Familiarity with Liquid Metal systems and MHD is required.

Working knowledge of one or more CFD codes (OpenFOAM, COMSOL, HIMAG, ANSYS CFX, ANSYS FLUENT) that can be utilized in MHD flow computations is necessary, and/or research codes developed for liquid-metal MHD. Knowledge of mesh generation software is required, Excellent verbal, presentation, and writing skills are required to enable effective interaction and communication with technical peers, program managers, collaborators, and sponsors.

Candidates must show examples of their academic and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.

Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Experience in designing liquid metal flow loop experiments and performing measurements of liquid metal flows. Knowledge of plasma physics codes, such as M3D-C1 and SOLPS and familiarity with computations of open-surface flows (Level-set, Volume of fluid method) is a plus.

Working knowledge of computer-aided…