Nonproliferation Nuclear Engineer Postdoctoral Researcher

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Nuclear Engineer in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND), division operating within the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The NND performs research and development to detect, characterize, and monitor nuclear fuel cycle activities and nuclear explosions; develops concepts, approaches, and technologies to strengthen global security for nuclear and radiological material; and engages with federal agencies to enhance international nonproliferation regimes.

The Postdoctoral Nuclear Engineer will conduct R&D in nuclear nonproliferation with expertise in computational nuclear reactor physics through modeling and simulation (M&S). The candidate will perform analysis and methods development in areas such as reactor core physics, nuclear fuel cycle assessments, radionuclide inventories, and source terms. The major customers of the work performed in this group are the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and other government agencies.

• Perform research and development in the areas of nuclear reactor analysis M&S, including some or all the following:
  • steady-state and depletion core analysis,
  • fuel cycle analysis and evaluations,
  • research reactor design and analysis,
  • characterization of isotopic content of nuclear materials, and
  • detector response to radiation sources.
• Model conceptual advanced reactors and their subsystems.
• Evaluate safeguards metrics during hypothetical reactor misuse scenarios.

• Collaborate across divisions and directorates with researchers and engineers to execute excising NNSA programs.

• Prepare and present periodic reports documenting research and development activities.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain a strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Occasional travel to support domestic and international engagements related to work scope.

• Candidates for this position must have a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering completed within the last 5 years.
• Understanding of the physics of nuclear reactors backed by demonstrated recent and relevant research and development in the field is a fundamental requirement of this position.
• Experience with neutron transport and reactor analysis software (SCALE code system, MCNP, OpenMC, Serpent, VERA, MOOSE codes, etc.).
• Experience with common programming and scripting languages (e.g., Python, C++, Matlab, JavaScript).

• As this position works in interdisciplinary fields, knowledge of codes in related disciplines, such as thermal hydraulics, actinide chemistry, fuel cycle analysis, particle physics, or uncertainty quantification.
• A minimum of two years of recent experience in nuclear reactor analysis and/or reactor analysis methods development Experience with various operating systems, high-performance computing, and SLURM systems.
• Familiarity with nuclear nonproliferation goals, concepts, and approaches (e.g., international safeguards, domestic material control and accounting).
• 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.
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and writing skills are required to enable effective interaction and communication with technical peers, program managers, and sponsors.

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintaina clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most…