Nuclear Materials Characterization Scientist

Nuclear Materials Characterization Scientist 4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Nuclear Materials Characterization Scientist specializing in Electron Microscopy to work in our Advanced Materials Characterization Department. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex. This position will focus on the advanced characterization of materials for a variety of materials development programs at INL, contributing to cutting‑edge research that supports our mission of advancing nuclear energy technologies. Responsibilities Lead the planning, designing, and analyzing experiments to evaluate the performance of advanced nuclear fuels and materials. Develop post‑irradiation examination plans, oversee data collection, reduction, and analysis, and publish results in internal reports and the open literature. Conduct advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis on a variety of materials, including nuclear fuels, structural materials, and advanced alloys. Perform focused ion beam TEM sample preparation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to interpret data and correlate it with other characterization methods and material properties. Prepare detailed reports and presentations of research findings for internal stakeholders and external publication. Maintain and ensure proper functioning of TEM equipment and related tools. Provide analysis and evaluation of data from experiments on different nuclear fuels, claddings, or structural materials. Work closely 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 to INL facilities on future instrument needs for PIE examinations. Author and/or contribute to publications in area of specialty. Present results at national and international conferences. Contribute to peer‑review work of others both within or external to the Characterization department. Establish relationships with universities within the US and internationally to develop partnerships that will be needed to support PIE in the future and advance the INL mission. Mentor or provide guidance to junior scientists, technicians, or post‑doctoral staff. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements Level 2: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field with a strong emphasis on materials characterization and 0 years’ experience. Level 3: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field with a strong emphasis on materials characterization and 2 years’ experience. Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy “Q” clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Testing Designated Position (TDP). Preferred Qualifications Experience with TEM characterization of nuclear materials. Familiarity with other microscopy and characterization techniques such as SEM, and XRD. Hands‑on experience with advanced TEM techniques such as electron diffraction, EELS, and tomography. Job Information The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($77,628 - $159,228) / Level 3 ($93,204 - $191,076). Compensation is determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and 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. Multi‑Level Posting: Position will be placed at the appropriate level based upon depth and breadth of proven experience and skills. 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 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 50 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Position requires the ability to smell. 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 Paid time off (personal leave) Employee Education Program (tuition assistance) Comprehensive Relocation Package Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification. Visa Sponsorship 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 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. INL does not accept resumes from third‑party vendors unsolicited. Primary Location United States Job Science Organization Materials & Fuels Complex‑MFC (Uxxx) Schedule Full‑time Employee Status Regular Job Posting Nov 20, 2025, 12:36:13 PM Unposting Date Nov 25, 2025, 1:59:00 AM Relocation Eligibility Position Relocation Eligible Telework On‑Site Worker #J-18808-Ljbffr