Research Scientist - Nuclear Engineering

Regular, Full-time, Market Range 13

Research scientist will be responsible for performing thermal mechanical analysis of nuclear fuel performance utilizing finite element computer simulations, and to use a multiscale materials modeling framework to develop and test continuum mechaics models, to evaluate the behavior and performance of advanced nuclear fuel forms, including metallic and TRISO particle fuel forms, and accident tolerant fuels.

The research will be informed by lower length scale computational modeling and involve the use of continuum-scale constitutive equations within finite element simulations to be performed using the Moose-BISON codes developed by Idaho National Laboratory. The successful applicant will have multiple years of experience past the PhD degree, demonstrated experience with computational modeling at the continuum scale, and a publication record of peer-reviewed, archival journal publications that documents the ability to successfully complete and analyze computational modeling results with respect to experimental observations.

The successful applicant will also be expected to work in a collaborative team environment, and interact with undergraduate and graduate students, as well as PhD-level scientists from multiple institutions, especially Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory,Idaho National Laboratory, and the University of Tennessee.

Job Function/Responsibilities:

• Independent research using finite element simulations, informed by the application and development of continuum-scale constitutive models, to assess the nuclear fuel performance of metallic or TRISO particle fuel in advanced reactor operations, as well as accident tolerant fuel concepts in light water reactors, and to compare the simulation results to experimental observations.
• Prepare written reports and journal publications with the interpretation and analysis of computational research
• Assist other group members with performing and interpreting computational materials modeling of the performance of nuclear fuels in existing and advanced fission reactors.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to perform computer simulations of materials surface evolution using continuum-scale models.
• Demonstrated ability and skill with performing computer simulations by reaction-diffusion cluster dynamics simulations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and document research results in written form, consisting of peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Demonstrated ability to provide oral presentations describing research results.