Laser-Based Mesoscale Thermal Transport Postdoctoral Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Laser-Based Mesoscale Thermal Transport Postdoctoral Research Associate. The focus of this position is on investigating the thermal transport phenomena in actinide material systems with and without microstructure defects. You are expected to design and implement mesoscale laser metrology experiments to provide unique and profound understanding of thermal transport properties in actinide material systems. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

This position requires a demonstrated and consistent scientific track record in thermal transport phenomena, excellent communication skills, and a strong background in condensed matter physics, phonon- and electron-mediated heat transport across length-scales and interfaces, continuum-based heat diffusion models, and thermal wave imaging. Knowledge of irradiation and defects as it pertains to material performance in extreme environment combined with multi-scale modeling and simulation validation is a plus. Multi-scale is expected to span atomic level theory calculations, specifically 4-phonon theory, to finite element simulations, and related machine learning.

One of the responsibilities of this position will be leading experimental activities related to the mesoscopic thermal transport thrust of the Center for Thermal Energy Transport under Irradiation (TETI), a Basic Energy Sciences Energy Frontier Research Center led by Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The Postdoctoral Researcher will actively engage in multi-institution collaborative research projects involving other personnel specializing in crystal synthesis, advanced microstructure characterization as well as microstructure evolution modeling from first principles. The postdoctoral research fellow will also contribute to developing proposals for new research projects for internal and external funding.

Other technical roles include:

1) Characterizing structure and function of individual grain boundaries using ultrafast pump-probe photoacoustic spectroscopy

2) Designing and implementing state-of-the-art in-pile metrology for monitoring thermal transport in active reactor conditions

3) Performing fundamental studies of defect accumulation as a function of materials performance in chemically complex systems using analytical models and atomic-level simulations

4) Designing ion beam irradiation regimes for the fundamental study of defects in model materials in emulated conditions found in operational nuclear systems.

You will have opportunities to represent INL and the Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate at national and international technical meetings, working groups, etc.

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or comparable disciplines.
• Ph.D. requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• A strong background in Thermal Transport investigation.
• A strong background in irradiation and defect effects on materials performance.
• An interest and interest in designing both metals and ceramics for utilization in extreme conditions based on performance characteristics.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills (in English).
• Demonstrated ability to propose, compile and assemble teams for multi-institution responses to Funding Opportunity Announcements.
• Management and organizational skills necessary to successfully meet research and development goals for multi-institution collaborative projects.

Job Information:

• The target salary for this position is $101,196. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

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 the operation of job-related equipment including lasers and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

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 5,000 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and development technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.

INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

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). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.