Nuclear Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate - X-ray Computed Tomography

Requisition Id 14702 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) 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 Particle Fuel Forms (PFF) Group in the Nuclear Fuel Development (NFD) Section within the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division.

 

The PFF Group is a global leader in coated particle fuel research for advanced reactors (e.g., tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel) and emerging nuclear technologies. The PFF group supports activities related to both fabrication and post-irradiation examination of coated particle fuel and fuel forms. This position would primarily support the US DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy’s Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) Program’s post-irradiation examination (PIE) activities at ORNL. The activities include x-ray computed tomography (XCT) imaging of a variety of specimen types including irradiated fuel samples, analyzing the generated 3D XCT datasets to identify and quantify features of interest, and interacting with principal investigators to identify areas of potential application for XCT and to communicate back results. The successful candidate will strongly collaborate with staff within the PFF and the Nuclear Fuel Development section.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop a working knowledge of the overall technology and performance of TRISO fuel, as well as specific procedures and results related to XCT imaging at ORNL.
• Lead XCT analysis of irradiated AGR particles by performing XCT imaging, identifying features of interest, and preparing polishing guides to support destructive microscopy analysis.
• Perform quantitative geometric segmentation of XCT images of TRISO particles and other novel fuel forms.
• Interface with PFF research staff to present and report research results and publish results in technical reports and peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality assurance requirements.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with other technical staff and interface with staff outside of the home organization to meet research objectives.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related disciplines.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with nuclear fuel or materials.
• Experience with XCT imaging.
• Experience with 3D data handling.
• Experience with image processing.
• Experience with MATLAB.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment and set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines.

 

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

 

Applicants cannot have received their PhD more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their a