Computational Mechanics Postdoctoral Research Associate
- 💼
- Nuclear Science & Technology (Cxxx)
- 📅
- Aug 01, 2025 Post Date
Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Computational Mechanics Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on our Computational Mechanics and Materials Department. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Computing Collaboration Center with every other Friday off.
You must have domain expertise in finite elements, computational mechanics with a strong theoretical background encompassing finite strain theory, mechanical contact, mortar methods, (augmented) Lagrangian, implicit or explicit solvers, fundamentals of non-linear solvers and preconditioning. You will apply your expertise to large-scale modeling and simulation problems through the MOOSE, BISON fuel performance, and Grizzly structural materials codes. Experience with nuclear materials is a plus, but a not prerequisite.
You will write scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journal publication, presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings and delivering reports to customers such as the Department of Energy.
Requires expertise in:
· Understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) principles.
· Proficiency in computational mechanics, including the ability to develop and implement numerical methods for solving mechanical problems.
· Theoretical Background in
o Finite Strain Theory: Knowledge of continuum mechanics and the mathematical formulation of large deformations.
o Mechanical Contact: Understanding of contact mechanics, including frictional and non-frictional contact problems.
o Mortar Methods: Familiarity with advanced numerical techniques for coupling different finite element meshes or domains.
o (Augmented) Lagrangian Methods: Expertise in constraint handling techniques used in optimization and mechanics.
o Implicit or Explicit Solvers: Experience with both types of solvers, understanding their applications, advantages, and limitations.
o Non-linear Solvers and Preconditioning: Proficiency in solving non-linear equations, including iterative methods and preconditioning techniques to improve convergence.
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years
- PhD in Computational Materials, Mechanics OR closely related
- Demonstrating skills in C++, Python, git, MacOS/Linux, and LaTeX
- Demonstrating excellence in communicating results.
- Producing peer-reviewed journal papers
- Developing plans for new research areas and producing proposals
- Initiating novel, innovative research and engineering projects that impact scientific problems, tackling complex technology issues facing the nation
- Experience coding in C++ is strongly preferred
- Familiarity with the MOOSE finite element framework or prior experience working on large open-source projects would be a plus.
Job Information:
Annual Salary: $101,196.00
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
Benefits and Relocation
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid time off (personal leave)
- 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 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.
INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.