Nuclear Data Science Postdoctoral Research Associate

Key Skills

Algorithms, Data Analytics, Data science techniques, Effective communication skills, Image processing, Large data sets, Machine learning techniques, Management, Optimization, Python Programming

Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate with experience in data analytics, data science, engineering or a comparable discipline for the Radiochemistry and Nuclear Measurements Department within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division. You will contribute to the department’s ongoing research initiatives related to nuclear facility monitoring, data fusion and forecasting, national security, and nuclear safeguards. You will work closely with our interdisciplinary team of scientists, researchers, and engineers to analyze complex datasets, extract meaningful insights, and create data-driven tools, reporting directly to the manager of the radiochemistry and nuclear measurements department. The postdoctoral researcher will create machine learning models that incorporate multi-modal data streams to help inform process control for solvent extraction processes, acoustic data collection and other nonproliferation projects.

You are expected to have foundational knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle, and experience in nuclear facilities. You are also expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work both alone and as a team member. You must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers. Familiarity with the nuclear nonproliferation mission and experience working hands-on with sensors is highly preferred.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

You will:

• Conduct research on the use of data analytics to enhance nuclear nonproliferation efforts

• Apply advanced data analytics techniques to analyze and interpret datasets

• Develop and implement data mining and machine learning algorithms to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define research objectives and design appropriate data collection methodologies

• Clean, preprocess, and manipulate data to ensure accuracy and reliability

• Visualize and present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Contribute to the development of reports, and presentations

• Write scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences, workshops, and meetings

• Write and contribute to funding proposals for customers and Laboratory Directed Research and Development proposal calls

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.

• PhD in data science, engineering (any), physics, statistics, computer science or related discipline.

• Strong background in any of the following: data analytics, machine learning, or statistical analysis.

• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python.

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

Preferred Requirements:

• Proficient with thermal image processing and management of large datasets.

• Experience creating machine learning models.

• Familiarity with solvent extraction equipment and processes.

• Experience with environmental monitoring with sensors and/or sampling.

• Experience optimization algorithms and their application.

• Hands-on experience with sensors.

About the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division:

INL’s nuclear nonproliferation mission helps enable the nation to prevent, counter, and respond to nuclear and radiological threats. INL has top nonproliferation experts with real-world experience and backgrounds in areas including nuclear facility inspection, modeling and simulation, material science, physics and engineering. These employees hold dozens of patents, have won numerous awards, and lead global nonproliferation programs. From developing new technologies for safeguarding nuclear material to refining analytical techniques designed to assess fallout composition in the aftermath of the use of a nuclear device, our staff members are at the forefront of the nation’s nonproliferation efforts.

INL provides technical resources, special nuclear materials, and several dedicated outdoor training ranges with access to short-lived radioactive materials that support civilian and military programs. Many of these programs support the missions of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security.

Job Information:

• Salary Grade: $95,004.00 Annually
• You are required to show a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment
• 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)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

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 5,000 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and development technologies that underpin the nation’s nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.