Pyrochemical/Molten Salt Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or comparable discipline for the Pyrochemical Sciences Department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on the development of electrochemical techniques applicable to pyrochemical-based nuclear fuel cycles. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex facility with every Friday off.

As a Pyrochemical/Molten Salt Postdoctoral Research Associate, you'll be at the forefront of INL's legacy, designing and optimizing chemical processes that drive innovation in nuclear energy solutions, national security, and advanced energy systems. Your work directly contributes to INL's mission by ensuring the reliability and cutting-edge performance of critical infrastructure across the U.S. government and private sector partners. By developing process control software and interpreting technical data, you'll help secure and advance technologies that shape America's energy future. This role lets you blend hands-on experimentation with strategic design, turning complex challenges into breakthroughs that support national priorities. Join a team of pioneers where your expertise in chemical engineering becomes the backbone of groundbreaking scientific achievements.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Essential Job Functions:

• Document design to ensure conformance with requirements and standards.
• Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements.
• Ensure fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement are done per design specifications.
• Develop processes for separating components of liquids and gases or generating electrical currents using controlled chemical processes.
• Develop and implement process controls and tracking mechanisms using programming.
• Prepare process flow diagrams and heat/material balances.
• Establish process design and operating parameters through simulations, hazards analysis, and testing.
• Monitor and evaluate plant system conditions and operational performance, recommend maintenance standards, and identify vendor data and replacement parts.
• Participate in system design, fabrication, and testing for research and development programs.
• Develop physics-based mathematical models to support and verify design.
• Perform laboratory research studies to prove new principles and concepts.
• Maintain familiarity with applicable codes and standards.
• Identify new research opportunities, contribute to technical teams, respond to research opportunities, and assist in securing funding for research activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Knowledge of engineering science and technology.
• Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Understanding of chemical composition, structure, properties, and processes.
• Knowledge of physical principles and their applications to fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics.
• Read and understand written information.
• Apply general rules to specific problems.
• Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Required:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science 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.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Hands-on experience and publications in molten salt electrochemistry or related area.
• Experience with molten salt chemistry of uranium and/or transuranic elements is desired.
• Experience with developing subroutines for process control/tracking software applications.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and 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 operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. 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.

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.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

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:

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.