Pyrochemical/Molten Salt Postdoctoral Research Ass

Pyrochemical/Molten Salt Postdoctoral Research Ass at Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States Job Description The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or comparable discipline for the Pyrochemical Sciences Department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on the development of electrochemical techniques applicable to pyrochemical-based nuclear fuel cycles. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex facility with every Friday off. As a Pyrochemical/Molten Salt Postdoctoral Research Associate, you'll be at the forefront of INL's legacy, designing and optimizing chemical processes that drive innovation in nuclear energy solutions, national security, and advanced energy systems. Your work directly contributes to INL's mission by ensuring the reliability and cutting-edge performance of critical infrastructure across the U.S. government and private sector partners. By developing process control software and interpreting technical data, you'll help secure and advance technologies that shape America's energy future. This role lets you blend hands-on experimentation with strategic design, turning complex challenges into breakthroughs that support national priorities. Join a team of pioneers where your expertise in chemical engineering becomes the backbone of groundbreaking scientific achievements. The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers. The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Essential Job Functions:

Document design to ensure conformance with requirements and standards. Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements. Ensure fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement are done per design specifications. Develop processes for separating components of liquids and gases or generating electrical currents using controlled chemical processes. Develop and implement process controls and tracking mechanisms using programming. Prepare process flow diagrams and heat/material balances. Establish process design and operating parameters through simulations, hazards analysis, and testing. Monitor and evaluate plant system conditions and operational performance, recommend maintenance standards, and identify vendor data and replacement parts. Participate in system design, fabrication, and testing for research and development programs. Develop physics-based mathematical models to support and verify design. Perform laboratory research studies to prove new principles and concepts. Maintain familiarity with applicable codes and standards. Identify new research opportunities, contribute to technical teams, respond to research opportunities, and assist in securing funding for research activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Knowledge of engineering science and technology. Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. Understanding of chemical composition, structure, properties, and processes. Knowledge of physical principles and their applications to fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics. Read and understand written information. Apply general rules to specific problems. Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions. Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Required:

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science 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. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship. The ideal candidate will possess: Hands-on experience and publications in molten salt electrochemistry or related area. Experience with molten salt chemistry of uranium and/or transuranic elements is desired. Experience with developing subroutines for process control/tracking software applications.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job... For full info follow application link. 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.

Job Posting:

2517964

Posted On:

Mar 24, 2026

Updated On:

Mar 24, 2026