Materials Engineer Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory and our Energy, Environment, Science & Technology Directorate is hiring creative and innovative early-career materials science postdoctoral researchers to engage with a nationally recognized team of research scientists pursuing development of advanced manufacturing methods for sensors and instrumentation for harsh environments. You will also investigate new alloys and materials, and new advanced manufacturing methodology. A successful candidate will incorporate materials science and engineering principals towards the development and testing of sensor devices to support multiple DOE research programs.

Specifically, candidates must have experience 1) in the manufacturing of sensors that measure salient materials properties and 2) with their deployment in both a laboratory environment and on-site testing facilities (i.e., irradiation facilities, pilot-scale facilities, etc.).

The ideal candidate must have ambitions to lead small project teams and technical collaborations to ensure that programmatic research goals are successfully executed on time and on budget. The candidate must also be interested in the development of advanced, novel manufacturing techniques and the use of modeling techniques (i.e., finite element analysis) to support design and qualification efforts.

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

Successful candidates will join a competitive, multi-disciplinary team that is currently funded to pursue advanced manufacturing materials challenges. New, advanced materials and better methods for fabricating materials and devices from advanced materials feedstocks is a significant challenge. INL and the Department of Energy are arising to this challenge.

Successful candidates will be mentored and trained how to ideate and how mature ideas to a competitive level within a National Laboratory system, how to identify and capture funding, how to craft winning research proposals, research execution strategies, and how to publish for maximum audience impact.

Jump-start your research career with a research team that is advancing materials science across the entire list of next generation materials and publishing research results in high-impact factor journals.

Candidates applying for this postdoctoral research position may have skills in any of the above-mentioned discipline areas. Experience in multiple areas such as materials science and theoretical areas such as machine learning are highly desirable. Ability to think outside the box and not be bound by conventional paradigms is preferable.

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

The position involves pursuing funding opportunities, research execution, and publishing/presenting results at national and international conferences and meetings or in peer-reviewed journals.

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or other related Physical Sciences fields. PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
• A developing publication record in the field of required expertise.
• Proven technical and interpersonal communication skills as evidence by a growing publication.
• Hands-on Experimental or Modeling experience.
• Experience with sensor design and manufacturing, as well as being able to lead the experimental testing and characterization of these devices is required.
• Experience in manufacturing, mechanical testing, and materials characterization (i.e., sample preparation, scanning electron microscopy, chemical analysis).
• Proficiency with computer-aided design (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and coding software (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated record of working safely in chemistry/materials laboratories (for hands-on researchers).
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong motivation and ability to work independently.
• Organizational skills, ability to plan and organize one's schedule to accomplish experiment activities in order to meet assignments and program milestones.

Job Information:

• The salary for this position is $101,196.00 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.

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 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
and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and
hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Position requires the ability to
smell. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Access and ability to self-contribute to 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.

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.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.