Postdoctoral Researcher- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Analyst

Requisition Id 13457 

Overview: 

We are seeking an Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Analyst to develop and deliver science-based solutions and technical insights, aimed at advancing cutting-edge technologies within the fields of nuclear energy and security. This position resides in our Systems Analysis and Optimization Group within the Advanced Reactor Engineering and Development Section of the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ORNL is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

As part of our research team, you will play a pivotal role in developing new artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) methods and tools for automated and machine-assisted evaluation of nuclear energy, safety, security, and/or safeguards for nuclear systems and design optimization. You will perform work that is consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules. Additionally, you will support a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop new AI/ML methods and tools for automated analysis of nuclear energy systems and AI-assisted design.
• Utilize machine learning techniques to develop surrogate and reduced order models for optimizing nuclear designs.
• Under a mentor, support the ideation and development of proposals in new areas of research related to nuclear energy, AI/ML, safety, security, safeguards, economics, and nonproliferation.
• Support R&D staff mentor with the AI/ML-assisted development, design, and analysis of high-impact nuclear energy, safety, and security research.
• Thoroughly document work performed to meet sponsor and mission needs, including preparation of peer-reviewed papers for publications in journals and conference proceedings.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
• Work in these areas supports the research programs of the US Department of Energy, partnerships with other federal programs, industry collaborations, and operations at ORNL’s major research facilities, such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor.
• Our team members have the opportunity to work collaboratively with diverse subject matter experts from across the laboratory to solve challenging and important problems related to the development, construction, and operation of nuclear energy technologies, other carbon-free energy technologies, and ORNL scientific facilities.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering physics, computational science, mathematics, or a closely related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear fundamentals, radiation protection, nuclear energy systems, and/or statistical approaches. Experience working with nuclear design and safety analysis software such as SCALE, VERA, MCNP, RELAP, MELCOR, etc.
• Experience in modern AI/ML analysis and statistical techniques. Experience with scientific AI/ML toolkits, such as PYTORCH, TENSORFLOW, SCIKIT-LEARN, etc.
• Experience with Python, C#, Matlab, R, or other scientific programming languages.
• Demonstrated experience in writing scientific and technical reports and delivering presentations to prominent government, industry, or research communities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.