Requisition Id 10289 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Incident Modeling and Computational Sciences Group in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND), National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

The responsibilities of this position include using aerial detector surveys to provide a nationwide means of predicting yield from a nuclear detonation. They will also research the use of the spectral information to better inform collections of where quality samples are of differing fractionation ratios to expedite Ground Collection Task Force forensic collection missions. The research will also extend our ability to rapidly update our models based on the aerial measurement data. A sensitivity study will be performed to show the relative impact of the different types of flights that are performed by aerial systems in a graded approach (e.g., edge detection versus serpentine versus complete mapping). The selected candidate will ultimately create a yield prediction software tool using the deposition pattern measured by aerial survey equipment with a proof-of-principle demonstrated by application of the tool to known historical survey measurements, and will provide recommendations for optimal surveying strategies to minimize yield uncertainties and operational timeliness. The responsibilities of this position include conceptualizing and performing research and development in forensic evaluation of nuclear materials.

The primary focus for this position is to develop and implement calculational methods for simulation of detector responses to nuclear weapon fallout and interpreting the nuclear forensic data. The research will focus on developing and validating mathematical methods, incorporating  inverse calculations and statistical models, and integrating these methods into existing modeling and simulation (M&S) tools. The researcher will maintain and develop the coeds used for this evaluation, test their performance on different operating systems, and validate results using both numerically generated and actual measured data. Work will usually include a statistical analysis of the uncertainties and correlations in the reconstructed values. Finally, the researcher will maintain a strong understanding of the overall goals of various federal agencies involved in nuclear forensics missions.

The selected candidate will be responsible for interacting with division staff, both within and outside the Incident Modeling and Computational Sciences group, who work on projects in a team environment. The candidate will be expected to work independently, perform R&D activities, fully document work in technical reports and publications, effectively interface with project sponsors, and participate in the identification and development of research proposals.          

Basic Qualifications:

• Candidates for this position must have a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering or related field, completed within the last 5 years
• Have demonstrated accomplishments in the solution of a variety of real-world modeling problems.
• A firm understanding of the physics and chemistry of nuclear fuel-cycle processes, backed by demonstrated recent and relevant research and development in the field, is a fundamental requirement of this position.
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and writing skills are required to enable effective interaction and communication with technical peers, program managers, and sponsors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• It is highly desirable for the candidate to have experience with the SCALE code system and with models of various fuel-cycle processes.
• The candidate should have considerable programming experience using FORTRAN and/or other high-level languages.
• Additional capabilities, such as programming on parallel processors using the message-passing interface (MPI) are a plus.
• It is highly desirable for the candidate to have knowledge and experience with numerical analysis and applied mathematics, including optimization, statistics, and solution of inverse problems.
• The ideal candidate would also have diverse experience in many application areas such as nuclear forensics, neutron and gamma ray detection, and safeguards technologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

Special Requirements

Q clearance:  This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.