Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Computational Mechanics and Materials Department (CMM), within the Nuclear Science and Technology Directorate (NS&T), is seeking an exceptional Computational Scientist/Fuel Performance Modeler to provide assistance regarding fuel performance modeling activities at INL, the expansion of INL's nationally recognized fuel performance analysis presence, and the pursuit of existing NS&T programmatic missions and emerging opportunities. This research work will build on Bison, a finite element-based nuclear fuel performance code applicable to a variety of fuel forms including light water reactor fuel rods, TRISO particle fuel, and metallic rod and plate fuel. Responsibilities Development, maintenance, and support of nuclear engineering and numerical models under development within CMM. Supports development and implementation of verification and validation strategies for fuel performance software. Research will include topics in all areas of nuclear fuel performance with an emphasis on fission gas behavior. Interface with the lower length scale group in CMM, with other research groups at INL, and with researchers at other national laboratories. Work on diverse problems, demonstrating good judgment within defined procedures in finding imaginative, thorough, and practical solutions. Function as a strong asset to INL’s high-energy R&D team and work effectively both in isolation and as a member of a team. Develop and demonstrate oral and written communication skills as extensive documentation of work is required, which typically entails authorship of technical reports, user’s manuals, and research papers for refereed journals and proceedings. Participate in peer review of other’s work, contribute to the development of new computational capabilities within NS&T, and seek out new research opportunities. Mentor interns and other staff members as appropriate. QUALIFICATIONS Degree in nuclear science or engineering or a related field BS and at least 2 years relevant experience MS and at least 1 year relevant experience PhD in relevant academic field, strong preference for PhD Must have demonstrated specific and detailed knowledge of nuclear fuel physics and the simulation of nuclear fuel behavior. This position involves considerable software development. Therefore, a knowledge of engineering software development processes and proficiency with related tools are as important as an understanding of nuclear and mechanical engineering concepts. Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear and computational science Ability to accept input and coaching from mentors and also provide input in a constructive manner to others while maintaining a positive and professional relationship with all, even while under pressure and tight deadlines. Demonstrated oral and written communication skills are required, as well as a high-level proficiency in the C++ object-oriented programming language, finite-element methods, advanced numerical methods for nonlinear analysis, and the development of complex engineering analysis software. Demonstrated ability to execute fuel performance modeling research. Appreciable knowledge of numerical methods, computational science, scientific computing, scientific software engineering, nuclear fuel, and mechanics. Ability to coordinate and execute project/program activities relative to work package scope, deliverables, and milestones. Demonstrated ability to productively collaborate with others. Must be able to work in a culturally diverse environment. Preferred Qualifications Strong background in fission gas behavior and the development and implementation of complex fission gas release constitutive models for both oxide and metal fuels at both the engineering and microstructural levels is preferred. Evidence of research experience in peer-reviewed literature is required. Ability to perform integral fuel rod analyses is essential. PLEASE APPLY BEFORE July 3, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. (MDT) INL is Empowering the World's Energy Future! MISSION: Discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure. VISION: INL will change the world's energy future and secure our critical infrastructure. 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. Women and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply. EMPLOYEE JOB FUNCTIONS Employee Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job position which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation. Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations. An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards. Motor Abilities - fine motor control (hands); repetitive, intermittent work Special Senses - visually demanding work; near vision; speech discrimination Work Conditions - stairs; typing/keyboard; working alone; working >8 hours/day 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). This includes U.S. born and naturalized citizens, parolees, undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, asylum seekers, refugees, and all males with visas of any kind which expired more than 30 days ago. The few individuals who are exempt from this requirement are those on current non-immigrant visas. For more information see www.sss.gov. ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY, AND HEALTH STATEMENT Must be familiar with, and comply with all relevant health and safety requirements. Must be knowledgeable of emergency action policies and procedures, methods for reporting/resolving work practices or conditions to available cognizant professionals. 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 OVERVIEW 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 4,300 scientists, researchers and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and develop technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security and environmental missions. IDAHO FALLS AREA Idaho Falls is conveniently situated near many national treasures such as Yellowstone National Park, Teton National Park, Jackson, WY, etc. For more information about the area, please visit www.visitidahofalls.com and www.visitidaho.org. PRIMARY LOCATION: United States JOB: Science ORGANIZATION: Nuclear Science & Technology (Cxxx) SCHEDULE: Full-time EMPLOYEE STATUS: Regular
