Nuclear Data Scientist

At Idaho National Laboratory, you'll analyze data and generate results across cloud, on-premises, and edge-based computational architectures, apply technologies including explainable AI, large language models, and physics-informed machine learning, and develop software including 3D visualization tools, parallel software, and web API solutions in support of research objectives. You'll work with domain experts to understand the scope of questions data can answer, design output metrics that describe system behavior, collaborate with government agencies, academia, and industry partners, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Apply nuclear engineering domain knowledge to identify opportunities for machine learning and data-driven analysis within nuclear systems, operations, or research programs.
• Support the development, validation, and interpretation of ML models and data pipelines in the context of nuclear applications.
• Collaborate with data science teams to translate nuclear engineering requirements into analytical frameworks.
• Assist in the evaluation of model outputs using nuclear domain expertise to ensure physical accuracy and operational relevance.
• Contribute to technical documentation, reports, and presentations related to ML-assisted nuclear engineering efforts.
• Lead efforts in writing journal articles, conference proceedings, etc.
• Ability to coherently present complex materials to a wide audience.
• Work under general supervision on defined tasks with moderate complexity.
• Analyze data and generate results in response to data analytics, visualization, and modeling needs on a variety of computational architectures (cloud, on-premises, edge-based).
• Apply advanced technologies, such as Explainable Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Large Language Models (LLMs), physics-informed machine learning, systems performance analysis, and/or data sensor fusion methodologies.
• Work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers on challenging work scopes.
• Demonstrate effective research skills and the ability to collaborate and partner with other government agencies, academia, and private sector companies to achieve project goals.
• Publish results of research and development in a mix of refereed publications and conference proceedings.
• Work effectively with other research teams to develop and manage cross-cutting technical programs for a variety of customers.
• Develop and maintain notebooks, software, and/or applications.
• Work with software and database developers to develop, test, and deploy software code to development, staging, and production environments.
• Develop software for custom solutions, including but not limited to, 3D visualization tools, parallel software, batch scripting, and web API interaction/development.
• Analyze data quality, characterize, and communicate data quality issues to data providers, and design repeatable data processing procedures to accurately analyze data in the presence of quality issues.
• Work with domain experts to understand the scope and limits of questions that can be answered by data sets, identify key data features as inputs to analysis, and design output metrics that elegantly describe system attributes and behavior.
• Employ specialized methods and state-of-the-art data analysis and modeling tools to support INL's mission by ensuring the nation’s safe, competitive, and sustainable use of engineered systems in many domains by applying capabilities to impactful issues in risk, reliability, and operational performance.
• Adhere to INL policies and lab-wide procedures related to software development, cybersecurity, and management of sensitive information and data.
• Work with data providers, database administrators, and software developers to diagnose and solve problems with data and software systems quickly and effectively.

Required:

• Level 2: An advanced degree in data science, nuclear engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Working familiarity with machine learning concepts, data analysis tools, or scientific computing (e.g., Python, R).
• Ability to interpret and communicate data-driven results within a nuclear engineering context
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE level 'Q' clearance, requires US Citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Master's degree (with 3+ years of experience) or PhD degree (with 0+ years) in Nuclear Engineering or closely related field
• Experience with nuclear simulation codes (e.g., MCNP, SCALE, RELAP, MOOSE).
• Exposure to supervised/unsupervised learning techniques or data visualization tools.
• Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering or related discipline.
   

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate 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.

Job Information:

We are seeking a Level 2 Nuclear Engineer with expertise in connecting nuclear engineering concepts with data science and machine learning tools. The ideal candidate is first and foremost a nuclear engineer with working knowledge of data science methodologies beneficial; someone who can bridge the gap between nuclear domain expertise and computational analysis without needing to be a dedicated data scientist. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Research and Education Campus in Idaho Falls with every other Friday off. 

• 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.
• 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 (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.