Research Scientist

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory (2 openings), to be responsible for advanced nuclear fuel and materials testing and simulation. This involves working with facilities related to the MIT nuclear reactor and campus-wide equipment to perform material testing and characterization. Will also perform neutronic and finite element analysis to support the development and execution of irradiation experiments.  Responsibilities will include supporting the development of an in-pile flowing molten salt loop facility; supporting engineering and characterization of nuclear material after exposure to harsh radiation, corrosion, and high temperatures; neutronic analysis of experiments in the reactor to ensure safety and performance; and simulation of experimental rig and nuclear material performance with finite-element analysis tools.  The research program involves collaboration with co-principal investigators in the nuclear industry and national laboratories and requires preparing reports based on student and researcher input on the mentioned topics. Leading and contributing to high-quality conference and journal publications will also be expected.  

Job Requirements
REQUIRED: Ph.D. in nuclear engineering or closely related discipline; publication and innovation record, e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, or technical books; demonstrated experimentalism in area of nuclear materials testing and characterization; experience performing radiation transport analysis in supporting experiments; experience with commercial software in modeling finite element analysis behavior of fuels and experimental rigs; excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work in large multidisciplinary research groups and build relationships; and experience with mentoring students and researchers. PREFERRED:  five years of experience. Job #21599

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(posted 7/22/2022)
 

Postdoctoral Associate

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, to join the MIT Research Reactor (MITR), the primary experimental facility of the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory and one of five U.S High-Performance Research Reactors. The Center for Reactor Instrumentation and Sensor Physics (CRISP), physically located within NRL, is a joint Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and MIT center whose mission is to advance the current state of instrumentation and controls in nuclear systems by developing foundational technologies. CRISP connects experts from diverse organizations to devise novel solutions for sensing and tests these systems under irradiation. Will participate in CRISP research and support a diverse set of complex problems in sensing and measurement of critical quantities in harsh environmental conditions. Specifically, will be instrumental in implementing existing techniques as well as devising novel ones to measure high temperature operating conditions observed in nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems. Will participate in all aspects of the instrumentation design--from concept development, computational analysis, design of experiments, benchtop experiments to final demonstration experiment in the MITR.  

Job Requirements
REQUIRED: Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, physics, or related field; in-depth knowledge of data acquisition systems and signal processing such as filtering; experience in multiphysics modeling and simulation of structural and heat transfer dynamics coupled with elastic or electromagnetic wave propagation in solid structures; demonstrated hands-on experience working with experimental systems; and the ability to keep schedules and meet deadlines and work both independently and as a team member in a cross-disciplinary group.  PREFERRED:  exposure to or familiarity with the LabVIEW programming language and experience with ultrasonic thermometry or pyrometry. Job #20987

This position is expected to start in May 2022 and is subject to a one-year term with possible renewal on an annual basis.

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(posted 3/18/2022)