Postdoctoral Research Associate (Nondestructive Evaluation)

Overview

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with research experience in non-destructive evaluation (NDE) to develop and deliver science-based solutions and technical insights, aimed at advancing cutting-edge technologies within the fields of nuclear energy and energy security. This position resides in our Modern Nuclear Instrumentation and Controls Group within the Nuclear Science and Engineering Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the science of nondestructive materials characterization by developing advanced sensors and measurement techniques, analytics techniques for NDE (including artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) methods and tools for automated and machine assisted evaluation and design optimization), with a range of applications in critical energy systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate advanced sensors for NDE and structural health monitoring (SHM) in extreme environments
• Develop and evaluate novel measurement techniques for nondestructive characterization of materials
• Investigate new AI/ML methods and tools for automating NDE signal analysis and optimizing operations of nuclear energy systems
• Develop fast and robust solutions to inverse problems in NDE and SHM to enable real-time monitoring of structural materials
• Integrate solutions with emerging applications of nuclear instrumentation and controls for risk-informed operational decision making
• Support the ideation and development of proposals in new areas of research related to nuclear energy, safety, energy security, safeguards, economics, and nonproliferation
• Provide research staff in the group with expertise in sensors and measurements to assist in the development, design, and analysis of high-impact nuclear energy, safety, and security research
• Thoroughly document work performed to meet sponsor and mission needs, including preparation of peer-reviewed papers for publications in journals and conference proceedings
• Participate in professional society activities, such as organizing and attending conferences, to raise the profile of the research group in measurement science and NDE/SHM

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics, or closely related field within the past five years
• Hands-on experimental experience in ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and a strong understanding of wave propagation theory

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong understanding or experience with electromagnetic NDE techniques such as eddy current NDE or millimeter wave NDE
• Experience with one or more simulation software packages such as CIVA, COMSOL, and ANSYS
• Familiarity with Python and LabVIEW programming for data acquisition and instrument control
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, assemble, and conduct ultrasonic testing experiments using general equipment and transducers
• Experience with instrumentation and sensor systems, including hardware integration, programming, and troubleshooting
• Experience in modern AI/ML analysis and statistical techniques as applied to NDE applications, including scientific AI/ML toolkits such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn
• Demonstrated experience in writing scientific and technical publications and delivering presentations to prominent government, industry, or research communities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Special Requirements

• Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment
• The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy
• This position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position requiring passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program