Requisition Id 17372
Overview: This position resides within the Nuclear Science and Engineering Division of the Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate.
The NSPI Group brings together complementary capabilities in reactor thermal hydraulics, plant systems analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multiphysics modeling, digital twins, and integrated energy-system simulation. The group advances predictive modeling and engineering analysis capabilities that translate fundamental science and computational innovations into practical solutions for nuclear power generation, plant modernization, operational flexibility, and energy-system integration.
The successful candidate will lead a team of approximately 10-12 research and technical staff, establish a compelling research vision, develop and execute a diversified R&D portfolio, and foster a collaborative and high-performing research environment.
Major Duties/Responsibilities: - Lead research initiatives aimed at improving the performance, reliability, safety, flexibility, and economic competitiveness of the existing nuclear reactor fleet, including power uprates, operating-margin assessments, fuel-cycle optimization, and plant modernization.
- Provide strategic and technical leadership for a multidisciplinary R&D portfolio spanning reactor thermal hydraulics, nuclear plant performance, advanced reactor systems, computational multiphysics, digital twins, and integrated energy systems.
- Advance the development, validation, and application of engineering modeling and simulation tools, including CTF, VERA, SAM, TRACE, TRANSFORM, CFD, and related computational methods.
- Promote integration of digital twins, operational data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning, reduced-order models, and uncertainty quantification to enhance predictive capabilities and operational decision-making.
- Develop and execute a sustainable, strategically aligned research portfolio that leverages the group's core technical strengths while pursuing emerging mission opportunities.
- Establish clear performance expectations, provide constructive feedback, conduct employee performance evaluations, and support individual career development.
- Serve as the immediate supervisor for staff members in the group. Hire staff as needed.
- 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:- A BS, MS, or PhD. degree in mathematics, computational science, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or a related discipline.
- A PhD. with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, a MS with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, or a BS with 15 years of relevant experience.
- Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams.
Preferred Qualifications:- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- 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.
Special Requirements: - References may be requested.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
Relocation: Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.
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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
