Research Staff Scientist - Nuclear Engineering

Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Department of Nuclear Science and Technology scientists work in four different groups, (i) Nuclear Systems & Structural Analysis, (ii) Reactor Systems & Risk Analysis, (iii) Materials for Energy Applications, and (iv) the National Nuclear Data Center. 

The first two groups conduct research and development related to nuclear technologies (reactors and accelerator-driven systems), reliability and risk assessment, and advanced modeling techniques for reactor simulation and energy systems.  Additionally, they serve as a resource in these and related areas to support the missions of the Department of Energy (DOE), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and other national and international organizations. With a world-class staff of professionals with expertise in a broad range of areas related to the design and analyses of commercial, research and advanced nuclear systems, Brookhaven’s capabilities and facilities are also available to support and execute experiments in support of these missions.  

The Materials for Energy Applications group informs the design of next generation materials by generating mechanistic insights via multi-modal studies of materials degradation and structure-property relationships in extreme environments such as high temperature, radiation, and corrosive environments. 

The National Nuclear Data Center (NNDC) is the lead unit of the US Nuclear Data Program (USNDP), whose mission is to provide current, accurate, authoritative data for workers in pure and applied areas of nuclear science and engineering. This is accomplished primarily through the compilation, evaluation, dissemination, and archiving of extensive nuclear datasets. USNDP also addresses gaps in the data, through targeted experimental studies and the use of theoretical models. 

Interaction and collaboration between the department’s different groups, as well as with other BNL units, are highly encouraged. 

The Nuclear Systems & Structural Analysis Group has an opening for a Research Staff Scientist in nuclear engineering. The mission of the group is to provide nuclear and engineering analysis support in matters related to nuclear reactor design and safety, non-reactor nuclear facilities, nuclear fuel cycles, and proliferation resistance and physical protection of nuclear energy systems. in this position you will complement other experts in the group for reactor thermal-hydraulic and system analysis, including power and research reactors by performing modeling and simulation tasks to analyze and assess the design and safety of nuclear energy systems, prepare technical reports, and make presentations at project meetings.  This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform modeling and simulation that is oriented towards nuclear reactor performance and safety

• Leadership oversight within the Nuclear Systems & Structural Analysis Group, supervising and guiding scientific direction in alignment with departmental, laboratory and DOE research initiatives as well as performance management of direct reports

• Use state-of-the-art computational tools to perform analyses

• Prepare technical reports and make technical presentations at project meetings

• Assist in identifying opportunities for expanding programs and interacting with funding agencies to help obtain those programs

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in nuclear engineering or closely related field 

• Minimum of ten (10) years full time related post-PhD experience

• Experience in analysis of fast and thermal nuclear reactor systems, including system thermal-hydraulic analysis and coupled neutronics-thermal hydraulics analysis, reactor design basis accident analysis, fuel cycle analysis, and analytical evaluation of advanced fuel performance

• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and supervision to a diverse team of research scientists and operators, including performance management, timecards, and development

• Demonstrated capacity for creative problem solving

• Skills to deliver project-specific products and services to customers in accordance with contractual requirements

• Clear and concise communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clear, well documented reports and papers for publication and make effective presentations at technical meetings

• Experience collaborating effectively in interdisciplinary teams, in both leadership and supporting roles

• Ability to obtain export-controlled software licenses, such as RELAP5 and TRACE license

• Ability to obtain and retain a Q clearance

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with state-of-the-art thermal-hydraulic computational tools, such as RELAP5 and TRACE 

• Some experience with fuel performance tools (BISON, FAST, FRAPCON, FRAPTRAN) and/or computational fluid dynamics tools

• Programming and computing skills in FORTRAN, C++ and Python 

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning 

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Some travel (domestic and international) may be required

• This is a fully onsite position based at BNL

• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $149000 - $214733 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file

Brookhaven Science Associates is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. BSA takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We 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.