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Post- Irradiation Examination (PIE) Research Associate - Focused Ion Beam Microscopy

Post- Irradiation Examination (PIE) Research Associate - Focused Ion Beam Microscopy

locationUnited States
PublishedPublished: 12/19/2024
Research / Development
Full Time
$63,528 - $155,496 per year

Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Post- Irradiation Examination (PIE) Research Associate - Focused Ion Beam Microscopy to work in our Characterization department. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex with every Friday off.

INL is recognized as the lead national laboratory for DOE-NE, providing much of the nuclear research, development, and demonstration capability needed to move nuclear innovation forward to deployment. MFC hosts a unique combination of personnel, facilities and infrastructure and offers the ability to perform research and development of nuclear fuels from fuel development and fabrication through post irradiation analysis.

Responsibilities Include:

You will support research involving the post-irradiation examination (PIE) of different irradiated nuclear fuels. You will focus on the operation and maintenance of several electron microscopes. You will be asked to have operational expertise with SEM or FIB/SEM including analytical techniques. Will work with highly radioactive materials and learn and understand the techniques to control radiation exposure. You will be also involved in the development of new sample preparation techniques and in the development of examination strategies for new types of materials and instruments. You will be asked to perform sample analysis and oversight from technical principal investigators. You will be asked to also collect and assimilate data for technical principal investigators and will write technical reports documenting results. You will be part of the INL Nuclear Nexus.

  • Operate electron and focused ion beam instruments (FIB/SEM) to complete PIE work scopes for the principal investigator and program.
  • Maintain a high level of proficiency in operation and maintenance of the instruments and detectors. Pursue training and professional development opportunities that maintain this proficiency.
  • Provide analysis and evaluation of data from experiments on different fuel and cladding concepts.
  • Ensure efficient instrument use by organizing the execution of work.
  • Collaborate with other INL PIE scientists and modeling experts to expand the understanding and application of PIE experiments to facilitate the shortening of the nuclear fuel cycle.
  • Work with INL program leadership, industry partners and other collaborators to assess the performance of nuclear fuels and cladding through execution of post-irradiation examinations. Provide insight into INL facilities on future instrument needs of INL PIE examinations.
  • Contribute to peer review work of others both within or external to the PIE department.
  • Establish relationships with Universities within the US and internationally to develop partnerships that will be needed to support PIE in the future and grow the INL mission.
  • Provide guidance to junior scientists, technicians, or post-doctoral staff.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • Level 1: Bachelor of Science degree in related engineering or scientific field from an accredited institution with 0+ years experience.
  • Level 2: Bachelor of Science degree in related engineering or scientific field from an accredited institution and 2 years experience or an advanced degree with 0 years experience.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship..


Job Information:

  • The pay range for this position is: Level 1 ($63,528 - $130,284) /Level 2 ($75,804 -155,496). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
  • You are required to show a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
  • TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.


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 5,800 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.

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. Women and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.

INL does not accept resumes from third-party vendors unsolicited.

Salary range

  • $63,528 - $155,496 per year