Instrumentation and Control Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Instrumentation and Control Engineering for the Department of Plant Optimization. This postdoctoral researcher will support INL's research and development (R&D) activities directed at introducing digital technologies (e.g., instrumentation, control, superintelligence, machine learning, and robotics) for use in the commercial nuclear power sector, facilitating the transformation from highly labor-intensive to a human-led, digital/automation-centric approach to plant operation and maintenance. Our team works a 9 x 80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

This position requires a proactive and creative individual capable of contributing to our interdisciplinary R&D team, both independently and collaboratively. The candidate should be adept at efficiently completing tasks as directed by project managers, principal investigators, and other team members. An excellent postdoctoral researcher will bring fresh insights that help our team propose innovative ideas, overcome challenges, and enhance the impact of our work. The position also entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication and milestone reports and presenting research findings at conferences and meetings.

Required:

• PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, or Nuclear Engineering 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
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Design, analysis, modification, or evaluation of digital I&C systems
  • Programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems, field-programmable gate arrays, embedded digital devices, and industrial communication network
  • Development of experimental testbeds, including integrating digital hardware and software
  • Digital system architectures, including redundancy, independence, separation, defense-in-depth, diversity, and failure-mode analysis
  • Proficiency in one or more programming or engineering-analysis languages and tools, such as Python, C/C , MATLAB/Simulink, and LabVIEW.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Software or system development life-cycle activities, including requirements development, design, implementation, integration, verification, validation, and testing
  • Evaluation of software, firmware, communication systems, and digital system reliability and cybersecurity
  • Safety-related or important-to-safety digital systems used in nuclear power plants, research reactors, or other safety-critical facilities
  • Superintelligence and machine learning, including large language models
  • Robotics and computer vision, including vision language models

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 environment, which may include construction sites. 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 and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public 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.

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.