Postdoctoral Research Associate - Risk and Reliability Methods

Oak Ridge National Laboratory - Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time - Entry Level

Oak Ridge, TN

5,001-10,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) focuses on developing innovative risk and reliability methods within the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division. The role involves formulating novel risk and data analysis methods for advanced fission reactors and fusion devices, contributing to national interests through research and development. The position emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and the application of scientific discoveries to energy, environment, and security solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and use models for quantification of systems and component reliability including fault trees and event trees.
• Investigate operational reliability performance of reactors and contribute to optimization of reactor design and operational strategies.
• Conduct reactor safety analyses using deterministic and probabilistic methods.
• Support reports to sponsors, technical publications, and presentations; prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed publications.
• Develop new ideas, concepts, and research proposals to contribute to programmatic growth.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Reliability or System Engineering, or related scientific discipline such as Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with computer programming/automation and ability to develop further expertise in Python, git, LaTeX, Bash/Shell/Batch scripting, Docker.
• Basic knowledge of nuclear reactor safety principles, theories, and practices.
• Proven team player with excellent verbal and written communication/presentation experience.

Nice-to-haves

• 2+ years of relevant experience in PRA or Reliability Engineering.
• Experience in uncertainty quantification, including Monte Carlo methods.
• Data science experience, including proficiency in common data science platforms.
• Knowledge of reliability prediction software such as ReliaSoft Weibull++.
• Design of experiment skills.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Vision Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance