Idaho National Laboratory
Chemical Modeling Postdoctoral Research Associate
Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States, 83401
Chemical Modeling Postdoctoral Research Associate
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate for a Computational Thermo-Chemistry and Chemical Modeling position. This position requires domain expertise in one or more of the following areas:
thermodynamics, chemical speciation modeling, electrochemistry, high-temperature chemistry, and computational method development.
A strong theoretical background in aspects of
equilibrium thermodynamics, Gibbs energy minimization, reaction kinetics, and numerical optimization
is highly beneficial.
You will apply your expertise to
large-scale thermo-chemical modeling challenges
relevant to advanced nuclear technologies, including
molten salt reactor speciation, chemical processing for critical materials , and
corrosion-related chemistry . The position will involve work in the
MOOSE ecosystem , including development of new capabilities for
Gibbs energy minimization acceleration, multiphysics coupling between thermochemical models and neutronics/CFD/corrosion simulations , and
integration of thermodynamic databases with mesoscale corrosion models.
Experience with high-temperature materials, molten salts, or nuclear fuel cycle chemistry is beneficial but not required. Responsibilities include completing DOE-sponsored program work scope, writing scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, presenting results at national and international conferences, delivering reports to DOE sponsors, and contributing to proposals.
Core Expertise
Thermodynamics and Chemical Speciation
Equilibrium thermodynamics for complex multicomponent systems
Gibbs energy minimization formulations and algorithms (global/local optimization, convexity considerations, stability criteria)
Reaction equilibria, redox chemistry, electrochemistry, and activity models for molten salts or other high-temperature media
Computational Method Development
Numerical methods for robust, accelerated minimization (e.g., Newton-based schemes, gradient-based optimization, homotopy/continuation approaches, constraint handling), GPU based optimization
Efficient treatment of phase stability, phase transitions, and multi-phase equilibria
Algorithmic coupling of thermodynamics with transport, kinetics, or irradiation effects
Multiphysics Simulation & Coupling
Coupling thermochemical calculations with neutronics, fluid dynamics, structural integrity, and corrosion models
Experience with frameworks for large-scale multiphysics simulation; familiarity with MOOSE is preferred
Understanding of data structures and interfaces needed to link thermodynamic databases (e.g., CALPHAD-style data) to mesoscale or continuum models
Software Engineering for Scientific Computing
Experience developing numerical algorithms in large-scale, open-source scientific codes (MOOSE experience is a plus)
Proficiency with Python, git, Linux/MacOS environments, and LaTeX is preferred
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years
Communicating technical results clearly in oral presentations and written reports
Producing high-quality, peer-reviewed journal publications
Contributing to the development of new research directions and proposals
Working effectively within an interdisciplinary team spanning chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, and computational science
Taking initiative in innovative R&D projects addressing complex national-scale challenges in advanced nuclear energy and critical materials processing
INL encourages candidates who meet some, but not necessarily all, of the preferred qualifications to apply. We value researchers who bring depth in specific areas and enthusiasm for learning new approaches relevant to our mission.
The pay range 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.
Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Benefits and Relocation
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid time off (personal leave)
Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Engineering, and Science
Industries
Engineering Services and Energy Technology
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.
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thermodynamics, chemical speciation modeling, electrochemistry, high-temperature chemistry, and computational method development.
A strong theoretical background in aspects of
equilibrium thermodynamics, Gibbs energy minimization, reaction kinetics, and numerical optimization
is highly beneficial.
You will apply your expertise to
large-scale thermo-chemical modeling challenges
relevant to advanced nuclear technologies, including
molten salt reactor speciation, chemical processing for critical materials , and
corrosion-related chemistry . The position will involve work in the
MOOSE ecosystem , including development of new capabilities for
Gibbs energy minimization acceleration, multiphysics coupling between thermochemical models and neutronics/CFD/corrosion simulations , and
integration of thermodynamic databases with mesoscale corrosion models.
Experience with high-temperature materials, molten salts, or nuclear fuel cycle chemistry is beneficial but not required. Responsibilities include completing DOE-sponsored program work scope, writing scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, presenting results at national and international conferences, delivering reports to DOE sponsors, and contributing to proposals.
Core Expertise
Thermodynamics and Chemical Speciation
Equilibrium thermodynamics for complex multicomponent systems
Gibbs energy minimization formulations and algorithms (global/local optimization, convexity considerations, stability criteria)
Reaction equilibria, redox chemistry, electrochemistry, and activity models for molten salts or other high-temperature media
Computational Method Development
Numerical methods for robust, accelerated minimization (e.g., Newton-based schemes, gradient-based optimization, homotopy/continuation approaches, constraint handling), GPU based optimization
Efficient treatment of phase stability, phase transitions, and multi-phase equilibria
Algorithmic coupling of thermodynamics with transport, kinetics, or irradiation effects
Multiphysics Simulation & Coupling
Coupling thermochemical calculations with neutronics, fluid dynamics, structural integrity, and corrosion models
Experience with frameworks for large-scale multiphysics simulation; familiarity with MOOSE is preferred
Understanding of data structures and interfaces needed to link thermodynamic databases (e.g., CALPHAD-style data) to mesoscale or continuum models
Software Engineering for Scientific Computing
Experience developing numerical algorithms in large-scale, open-source scientific codes (MOOSE experience is a plus)
Proficiency with Python, git, Linux/MacOS environments, and LaTeX is preferred
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years
Communicating technical results clearly in oral presentations and written reports
Producing high-quality, peer-reviewed journal publications
Contributing to the development of new research directions and proposals
Working effectively within an interdisciplinary team spanning chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, and computational science
Taking initiative in innovative R&D projects addressing complex national-scale challenges in advanced nuclear energy and critical materials processing
INL encourages candidates who meet some, but not necessarily all, of the preferred qualifications to apply. We value researchers who bring depth in specific areas and enthusiasm for learning new approaches relevant to our mission.
The pay range 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.
Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Benefits and Relocation
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid time off (personal leave)
Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Engineering, and Science
Industries
Engineering Services and Energy Technology
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr