Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) Research Scientist

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is hiring a Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) Research Scientist. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located at the Materials and Fuels Complex with every Friday off. The Nuclear Materials Performance (NMP) division performs PIE and advanced characterization of irradiated structural materials. For this position, most work activities will be performed in the Structural Properties Laboratory (formally called the Sample Preparation Laboratory). This is a newly constructed hot cell facility that focuses on testing and PIE of structural materials.

The job will focus on mechanical testing and characterization of irradiated materials. This involves various mechanical testing techniques including creep, tensile, compression, hardness, impact toughness. These techniques will be performed on highly irradiated materials and will incorporate the use of manipulators and robotics for loading activities.

Other functions include but are not limited to, support engineering of hot cell tooling and equipment, support microstructural characterization of the irradiated materials and tested specimens, support other research activities in the laboratories and robotics as needed.

This job works with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and oversee projects as a Principal Investigator.

• Perform mechanical testing and analyze mechanical properties of irradiated materials including

  • Tensile testing
  • Creep testing
  • Fatigue and creep-fatigue testing
  • Compression testing
  • Microhardness testing
  • Impact toughness testing
• Development of testing capabilities for the testing of irradiated materials in simulated environments (e.g. Light Water Reactor environment, high-temperature gas, liquid metal, molten salt).
• Develop skills and perform microstructural characterization of tested specimens.
• Interface mechanical testing equipment with manipulators and robotics for hands off testing.
• Development of tooling and techniques to increase efficiency with mechanical testing.
• Support operation of research equipment that utilizes robotics and involvement with experiments.
• Find ways to implement AI learning into mechanical testing.
• Work with hot cell engineers to develop tooling and modifications to hot cell equipment.
• Support other research and engineering activities throughout the facilities.
• Adhere to INL policies and procedures.
• Completion of qualifications associated with position within 1 yr.

Minimum Requirements:

• Level 2: Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, materials science, physics, or related technical discipline and 2+ years of experience or master's degree or higher in the fields posted above.
• Level 3: Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, materials science, physics, or related technical discipline and 4+ years of experience, a master's degree and 2+ years experience or PhD.

Preferred:

• Significant experience with mechanical testing of materials. Experience with irradiated material testing is highly desired.
• Background and experience operating and performing characterizations using electron microscopy techniques.
• Engineering background of electronics and development/modification of tooling and equipment.

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.

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) Scientist/Researcher to work on our Nuclear Materials Performance (NMP) team. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex with every Friday off.

• The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.