Thermal Properties Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Research Associate (RA) to support thermal properties experiments to work in our Advanced Materials Characterization department. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex with every Friday off.

This is a project hire for a fixed term.

The RA will work on state-of-the-art thermal properties instruments located in radiological and nuclear facilities at Materials and Fuels Complex. Instruments to be used include the laser flash diffusivity instrument (LFA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), simultaneous DSC-thermogravimetric analysis instrument (STA), push-rod dilatometer, mass spectrometry and gas diffusion set-ups, among others. The Research Associate will need to be available for varied shifts, including some nights and weekends. Be a strong member of a multi-disciplinary team. You will work with radioactive samples and maintaining qualifications in numerous laboratory buildings. You will report to a senior manager.

Responsibilities Include:

• Research Associates must become proficient with the operation and maintenance of instruments and there detection systems.

• Maintain a high level of proficiency in operation of the instruments and detectors. Pursue training and professional development opportunities that maintain this proficiency. Become knowledgeable and maintain knowledge of the state-of-the art for their instrument and detection capabilities.

• Maintain the instrument and detectors in a top condition, ready for use, including required calibration, requisition, and installation of replacement parts for experimental instrumentation.

• Provide analysis and evaluation of data from experiments on different fuel and cladding concepts.

• Mentor or provide guidance to junior scientists, technicians, or post-doctoral staff.

• Ensure efficient instrument use by organizing the weekly execution of work and independently planning work to improve workflow. This includes working with schedulers to plan instrument runtime.

• Author or contribute to publications in area of specialty. Present results at National and International Conferences. Contribute to peer review work of others both within or external to the Advanced Materials Characterization department.

• Communicate with Instrument Scientists and users to ensure detailed and consistent transfer of information and analysis, including writing and improving upon instrument use guides and manuals.

• Use and development of custom data collection or analysis software and scripts in various programming languages. Write and troubleshoot instrument operational software and analysis scripts. Use multiple programming languages with an intersectional understanding of OOP and scientific scripting.

• Maintain familiarity with scientific literature.

• This position closes: 3/12/25

Minimum Requirements:

• Level 2: Bachelor of Science degree in material science, chemistry, physics, chemical/mechanical engineering or closely related field and 2 years of experience, Master's and 0 years of experience, PhD and 0 years of experience

• Level 3: Bachelor of Science degree in material science, chemistry, physics, chemical/mechanical engineering or closely related field and 5 years of experience, Master's and 2 years of experience, PhD and 2 years of experience

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience/knowledge with thermal property instrumentation.

• Experience with computer programming or scripting.

• Advanced degree

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($77,628 - $159,228) / Level 3 ($93,204 - $191,076). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 5,000 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and development technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.

INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

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
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