Instrumentation and Control Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Instrumentation and Control Engineering for the Department of Plant Optimization. This role supports R&D activities focused on introducing digital technologies to the commercial nuclear power sector, aiming for a digital/automation-centric approach to plant operation and maintenance. The position is located at the Idaho Falls facility and operates on a 9 x 80 schedule with every other Friday off. The researcher will contribute independently and collaboratively to an interdisciplinary R&D team, efficiently completing tasks and bringing fresh insights to propose innovative ideas, overcome challenges, and enhance work impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Write scientific manuscripts for journal publication.
• Author milestone reports.
• Present research findings at conferences and meetings.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, or Nuclear Engineering or comparable disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in one or more programming or engineering-analysis languages and tools, such as Python, C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and LabVIEW.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is required

• Design, analysis, modification, or evaluation of digital I&C systems.
• Programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems, field-programmable gate arrays, embedded digital devices, and industrial communication networks.
• Development of experimental testbeds, including integrating digital hardware and software.
• Digital system architectures, including redundancy, independence, separation, defense-in-depth, diversity, and failure-mode analysis.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess Experience in one or more of the following areas

• Software or system development life-cycle activities, including requirements development, design, implementation, integration, verification, validation, and testing.
• Evaluation of software, firmware, communication systems, and digital system reliability and cybersecurity.
• Safety-related or important-to-safety digital systems used in nuclear power plants, research reactors, or other safety-critical facilities.
• Superintelligence and machine learning, including large language models.
• Robotics and computer vision, including vision language models.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field environment (may include construction sites).
• Requires hand/finger dexterity for keyboarding, handling materials, manipulating tools, and reaching.
• Requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity.

Job Information

• Pay: $105,144.00 Annually.
• Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.