X-Ray and Neutron Sciences Early Career Scientist

Position Summary

Idaho National Laboratory's Nuclear Materials Performance Division is seeking a forward-thinking Early Career Scientist to join the X-Ray and Neutron Sciences group. This position focuses on applying X-ray diffraction, X-ray scattering, and complementary advanced characterization techniques to understand the structure, behavior, and degradation of nuclear fuels, structural materials, and other energy-relevant materials.

The successful candidate will support research and development activities involving X-ray diffraction and X-ray scattering techniques for characterization of nuclear fuels, irradiated materials, advanced alloys, ceramics, composites, and other materials relevant to current and future nuclear energy systems. They will grow into an independent technical contributor, starting with hands-on experiment execution, sample preparation, and data analysis, and expanding over time into task leadership, capability development, and externally funded research. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and brings strong communication and teamwork skills to complement their technical expertise.

This position is located at our Materials and Fuels Complex, which hosts the core of the U.S. nuclear research and development capabilities with a diverse array of facilities designed for remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. A new fuel idea can be designed, fabricated, tested, and analyzed at MFC to better understand the effects of irradiation. Many groups, such as universities, industry partners, other national laboratories, international research organizations, and other federal agencies are working at MFC. Our team works a 4x10 schedule with every Friday off.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct X-ray diffraction and X-ray scattering experiments on non-irradiated and irradiated materials, including those associated with light water reactors, advanced reactors, and nuclear fuel cycle applications.
• Perform crystallographic, microstructural, and statistical analysis of diffraction and scattering data across areas including powder and single-crystal XRD, high-energy X-ray diffraction, SAXS/WAXS, texture analysis, residual strain/stress measurement, and phase identification.
• Integrate X-ray and neutron characterization results with complementary microscopy, spectroscopy, mechanical testing, thermal property, and modeling data.
• Work with senior technical staff, principal investigators, facility leads, and program managers to support post-irradiation examination and advanced characterization programs. Collaborate with internal and external customers to ensure characterization data is collected, analyzed, documented, and delivered with the quality and technical rigor required for nuclear fuels and materials research.
• Coordinate sample preparation in support of laboratory-based and synchrotron-based X-ray characterization activities.
• Support development and deployment of new experimental workflows, analysis methods, and instrument capabilities for X-ray and neutron characterization.
• Prepare technical reports, journal manuscripts, conference presentations, and sponsor deliverables.
• Support proposal development and contribute new research ideas related to advanced characterization of nuclear materials.
• Maintain awareness of emerging developments in X-ray diffraction, synchrotron scattering, neutron scattering, in situ characterization, and data analytics.
• Work safely and effectively in laboratory, radiological, and nuclear facility environments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials science, nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with X-ray diffraction, X-ray scattering, crystallography, or related materials characterization methods.
• Familiarity with materials microstructure, phase analysis, crystallographic texture, residual strain/stress, or structure-property relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare technical reports, research presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Commitment to safe, secure, and compliant work practices in laboratory and nuclear research environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with synchrotron X-ray diffraction or scattering experiments.
• Experience with neutron diffraction or neutron scattering techniques.
• Experience characterizing nuclear fuels, irradiated materials, structural alloys, ceramics, actinide-bearing materials, or radioactive materials.
• Experience with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
• Familiarity with post-irradiation examination methods and nuclear materials research.
• Experience with Rietveld refinement, pair distribution function analysis, small-angle scattering analysis, high-energy diffraction microscopy, texture analysis, or residual stress analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, GSAS-II, FullProf, TOPAS, MAUD, Fit2D, pyFAI, DAWN, or similar data analysis tools.
• Experience integrating experimental characterization results with modeling, simulation, machine learning, or data analytics.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or technical reports.
• Interest in developing new experimental capabilities for in situ, operando, high-temperature, mechanical loading, or irradiated-material characterization.

Job Information:

The pay range for this position is $79,344 - $162,732. 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, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. 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 and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public 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.