Job Description

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

This postdoctoral position supports the research, development, and demonstration of advanced control and predictive maintenance technologies for nuclear energy systems. The selected candidate responsibilities will span machine learning model development, hardware-in-the-loop testing, user interface design, and human factors evaluation.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary research teams including national laboratories, universities, and industry partners to advance these technologies from proof-of-concept to market-ready solutions. The candidate will also engage with a broad range of external stakeholders including nuclear utilities, technology vendors, and regulatory bodies. The candidate will be responsible for leading publication of research outcomes in high impact journals, peer-reviewed conferences, demonstration, and presentation to lab leadership.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Required:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Sciences or Applied Mathematics (with an energy systems focus) or comparable disciplines
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 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 hardware-in-the-loop (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 (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Scikit-learn) for developing data-driven models in engineering applications
• Experience with diagnostic and prognostic model development
• Demonstrated 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 published written communication skills in English

The ideal candidate will possess:

• 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

Physical Requirements:

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 job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Benefits and Relocation

• 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.