Distinguished R&D Staff - Reactor Physics

Overview:    

The Reactor Analysis and Modeling (RAM) Group within the Nuclear Safety and Experiment Analysis (NSEA) Section of the Research Reactors Division (RRD), Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) is seeking a Distinguished R&D Reactor Physics Staff at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). The HFIR is a nuclear reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and has one of the highest power densities in the world. Our purpose is to support neutron scattering experiments, to produce medical and industrial isotopes that require one of the highest thermal neutron fluxes in the world, and to perform fuels and materials irradiation experiments.  

We are looking for a highly motivated senior reactor analyst who is comfortable working in a team environment, with collaboration at all levels, disciplines, and diverse cultural backgrounds both inside and outside the organization. The successful candidate should have a strong interest in nuclear reactor analysis and a broad level of knowledge and experience in (1) steady-state and transient nuclear reactor physics, (2) heat generation and heat transfer, and (3) understanding of technical uncertainties associated with fuel manufacturing and their impact on neutron economy and heat transfer.  In this role, you will serve as a senior engineer and analyst supporting the RAM Group in evaluating operational issues as they arise; planning, developing, and executing upgrades to existing HFIR reactor physics capabilities that support current operation; and supporting long-term projects such as the Pressure Vessel Replacement Project. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Perform high-quality reactor physics modeling, simulation, and coupled thermal-hydraulic (T-H) analyses to support the HFIR safety basis, operational issues, and long-term upgrade projects.  

• Perform detailed evaluations of system designs and historical performance, present findings to diverse stakeholders, and prepare written documentation as needed.  

• Provide relevant input and expertise to support application of modern analysis tools and methods to upgrade the HFIR safety basis. 

• Evaluate safety-basis impacts of proposed plant changes and modifications and write technical justifications supporting those changes when warranted. 

• Collaborate on projects, such as the high-enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium fuel conversion project and the Pressure Vessel Replacement project. 

• Collaboratively work with other Nuclear Safety and Experiments staff; others within RRD (e.g., Systems Engineering, Operations); and other ORNL directorates and divisions to support RRD and ORNL safety missions, as needed. 

• Prepare and review journal articles, conference papers, and other technical publications to document reactor analysis and modeling for HFIR upgrades and associated research programs. 

• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity 

• 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 PhD in nuclear engineering with 12 or more years of relevant experience. 

• Possess a strong reactor analysis background, as demonstrated through university research, publications, and/or work experience. 

• Must be organized, detail-oriented, and sensitized to a nuclear safety culture. 

• Demonstrated results-oriented problem-solving skills and a willingness to apply those skills to a variety of engineering problems. 

• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, presentation, and writing skills. 

• Ability to successfully function both independently and in small-to-moderate size teams. 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience modeling and analyzing complex nuclear engineering systems with both analytical approaches and with software, such as MCNP, SCALE, and other reactor physics codes. 

• Experience and knowledge of the multi-physics reactor engineering framework, including the interplay between reactor neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, thermal-structural interaction, fluid-structure interaction, and accident analysis. 

• Ability to set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks with varying requirements and deadlines. 

• Experience with LINUX or LINUX-like environments and scripting/computer languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and Fortran. 

• Familiarity and experience with 10 CFR 830 Subparts A and B and the Reg. Guide 1.70 Chapters 4 and 15 analysis frameworks. 

Special Requirements:  

• 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. 

• Visa sponsorship is not available.