Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) Lead Research Scientist. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located at the Materials and Fuels Complex with every Friday off. The Nuclear Materials Performance (NMP) division performs post-irradiation examination (PIE) and advanced characterization of irradiated nuclear materials such as structural materials and fuels. For this position, most work activities will be performed in the Structural Properties Laboratory (formally called the Sample Preparation Laboratory). This is a newly constructed hot cell facility that focuses on PIE of structural materials. The job will focus on mechanical testing as well as environmental testing of irradiated materials. The primary functions of this role involve operation of mechanical property measurement instruments, collection of data and its analysis, development and implementation of new techniques related to mechanical testing and environmental testing, finding funding opportunities, mentoring junior staff in research and lab activities, and support research activities in SPL. A further detailed list of responsibilities is described below. This job involves working with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers. Responsibilities: - Operation of mechanical property measurement instruments and collection of data and its analysis, such as creep and creep crack growth rate testing. - Support research activities associated with mechanical testing of irradiated materials, focusing on creep mechanisms, as well as environmental testing. - Development and implementation of new mechanical property and environmental testing capabilities in SPL and other INL facilities. - Collaborate with robotics team to develop methods to implement robotics for research applications associated with test equipment. - Find funding opportunities for structural materials testing and other research areas. - Mentoring junior staff and support other groups depending on position level. - Interact with the microstructural characterization group to better understand radiation damage mechanisms and their effect on mechanical properties. - Publish peer reviewed journal articles and/or provide PIE associated reports for customers. - Work with hot cell engineers to develop tooling and modifications to hot cell equipment. - Support other research and engineering activities throughout the NMP facilities. - Adhere to INL policies and procedures. - Completion of qualifications associated with position within 1 yr. - Other duties as assigned.
