Computational Scientist

You'll be at the forefront of shaping next-generation tools that drive breakthroughs in nuclear energy, infrastructure resilience, and cutting-edge scientific research. Your work will harness the latest computational techniques to solve some of the nation's most critical challenges in nuclear technology and beyond. From advancing materials science to enhancing energy systems, your expertise will enable INL to deliver innovative solutions that power the future. Join a team driven by legacy and purpose, where your code becomes a cornerstone of scientific discovery.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop, support, maintain, and document advanced multi-physics analysis tools for use in specific technical subject areas.
• Implement models, methods, and verification/validation strategies for these tools.
• Test innovative technologies and application programs to demonstrate correctness, robustness, and adequacy according to requirements specified by a wide variety of customers.
• Perform computational studies in support of assigned technical area's goals and objectives.
• Perform data collection, analysis, and assimilation.
• Participate in, and/or potentially lead, the design, planning, and execution of modeling- and simulation-related research and development projects.
• Represent the interests of INL through partnerships and connections with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), other U.S. national laboratories, industry, technology end users, and academia.
• Develop technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, proposals, and presentations for internal and external customers.
• Identify and develop new program opportunities.
• Establish and maintain up-to-date knowledge in key technical areas.
• Depending on level, may lead computational multi-physics methods and code development software teams.
• Participate in professional activities, university interactions, special assignments, and external special interest groups.
• Mentor interns and other staff members as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Skills in one or more of the following areas are necessary: h and p adaptation, parallel computing, non-linear solvers, pre-conditioning, discontinuous Galerkin methods, and the development of complex scientific software for the solution of partial differential equations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as extensive documentation of work is required, which includes authorship of technical reports, user's manuals, and research papers for refereed journals and proceedings.
• Technical leadership for providing direction to national DOE programs.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following technical areas: computational science, modeling, simulation, high-performance computing, scientific software engineering, finite element methods and analysis, fluid mechanics, nuclear science (including nuclear physics, simulation of nuclear fuel behavior, stochastic and deterministic reactor physics, core design), computational material science, phase field methods, molecular dynamics, crystal plasticity, thermo-mechanics, nonlinear solid mechanics, structural dynamics, heat transfer, and multi-physics coupling.
• Knowledge of engineering software development processes and proficiency with related tools.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to coordinate and execute project/program activities relative to work package scope, deliverables, and milestones.
• Ability to accept input and coaching from mentors and provide input in a constructive manner to others while maintaining a positive and professional relationship with all, even while under budget and deadline pressures.
• Ability to execute research in assigned technical subject areas.
• Ability to provide imaginative, thorough, and practical solutions to a wide range of complex, ambiguous, and/or difficult computing problems.
• Ability to interact effectively with technical staff and managers.
• Ability to articulate and advocate business cases in support of technical projects.

Required:

• Level 2: Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 2 years of relevant experience; or a Master's of Science degree in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 0 years of relevant experience; or a PhD degree in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 0 years of relevant experience.
• Level 3: Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's of Science degree in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 2 years of relevant experience; or a PhD degree in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and/or Fortran object-oriented programming languages, finite-element methods, advanced numerical methods for nonlinear analysis, and the development of complex engineering analysis software.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced degree in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree.
• Demonstrated experience in providing leadership, strategic and tactical planning, and effective execution of large, complex, and technically challenging programs requiring multidisciplinary integration across multiple organizations.
• Relevant research accomplishments published in peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Experience in the development of advanced mathematical software.
• Experience in software verification & validation.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in theory and application of computational science principles.
• Demonstrated experience in applied mathematics, statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data science.
• Experience writing proposals.

The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, and bend. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

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

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

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 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

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:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.