Post-Irradiation Examination Research Scientist

About the Role

As part of INL’s Nuclear Nexus, you’ll advance nuclear energy breakthroughs, uncovering critical insights from irradiated fuels. Your research will support INL’s legacy of innovation, shaping the future of safe, reliable, and cutting-edge energy solutions. This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to missions that define the next era of nuclear technology. This position is located at our Materials and Fuels Complex, which hosts the core of the U.S. nuclear research and development capabilities with a diverse array of facilities designed for remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. Many groups, such as universities, industry partners, other national laboratories, international research organizations, and other federal agencies are working at MFC. Our team works a 4x10 schedule with every Friday off.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with ongoing research development activities for assigned nuclear facility (Cat A, Cat B, non-reactor, etc.) at INL.
• Complete research in a variety of nuclear specialties.
• Lead the planning, designing, and analyzing of irradiation experiments to evaluate the performance of advanced nuclear fuels and materials.
• Develop post-irradiation examination plans.
• Oversee data collection, reduction, and analysis of performance data.
• Publish results in internal reports and the open literature.
• Provide analysis and evaluation of data from experiments on different fuel and cladding concepts.
• Collaborate with other INL PIE scientists and modeling experts to expand the understanding and application of PIE experiments to facilitate the shortening of the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Work closely with INL program leadership, industry partners, and other collaborators to assess the performance of nuclear fuels and cladding through execution of post-irradiation examinations.
• Provide insight to INL facilities on future instrument needs for INL PIE examinations.
• Author or contribute to publications in area of specialty.
• Present results at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to peer review work of others both within or external to the PIE department.
• Maintain familiarity with scientific literature.
• Establish relationships with universities within the US and internationally to develop partnerships that will be needed to support PIE in the future and advance the INL mission.
• Mentor or provide guidance to junior scientists, technicians, or post-doctoral staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field with a strong emphasis on materials characterization.
• Knowledge of nuclear fuels and materials.
• Experience in the design, fabrication, and/or execution of irradiation experiments.
• Understanding of nuclear reactor systems, theory, and safety regarding experiment implementation at a nuclear reactor/facility.
• Knowledge of relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Communication skills, including providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Active listening skills.
• Analytical reasoning skills include using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Ideal Candidate Experience

• Experience with TEM characterization of nuclear materials.
• Familiarity with other microscopy and characterization techniques such as SEM, and XRD.
• Hands-on experience with advanced TEM techniques such as electron diffraction, EELS, and tomography.
• Experience and knowledge pertinent to executing work in accordance with standards of ASME NQA-1 2000 as implemented by the INL Quality Program or equivalent.
• Experience working with remote systems and hot cells.

Job Information

• Level 2 Experience: 0 years
• Level 3 Experience: 2 years
• Pay Range: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288)
• This is a testing designated position (TDP); you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
• This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
• Work Schedule: 4x10 schedule with every Friday off.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment.
• Requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms.
• Requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people.
• Position requires the ability to smell.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About Idaho National Laboratory (INL)

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission

To discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision

To change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

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.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL, males born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS).