Join Oak Ridge National Laboratory: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Nonproliferation Data Scientist

Requisition Id: 13215

Overview

Join Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory with a storied 80-year history of addressing the nation's most critical challenges. As pioneers in scientific innovation and discovery, ORNL's mission is to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and translate them into actionable energy, environmental, and security solutions for the nation. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, as diversity in ideas and people is vital to our success.

Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Nonproliferation Data Scientist

We are looking for a talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Data Science and Engineering for Nonproliferation group. The selected candidate will develop innovative, physics-informed, data-driven methodologies and apply cutting-edge machine learning (ML) techniques to support nuclear nonproliferation mission applications. You'll be part of the dynamic National Security Sciences Directorate, collaborating with experts in data science, statistics, nuclear engineering, and scientific computing to deliver high-impact research and solutions to some of the nation's most challenging security threats.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers to develop and apply new data-driven approaches for nuclear material detection, characterization, and fuel cycle evaluation.
• Consistently deliver R&D, evidenced by scientific and technical presentations, professional community engagement, inventions/patents/copyrights, publications, etc.
• Maintain scientific integrity in performing and communicating research.
• Ensure all work adheres to ORNL policies, standards, and procedures for safety and security.
• Dedicate to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, leveraging scientific capabilities across ORNL.
• Perform work activities in nuclear and/or radiological facilities/environments.
• Be prepared for domestic and international travel as required.
• Embody ORNL's core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field with an understanding of nuclear nonproliferation and/or the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Experience in applying machine learning techniques to nuclear data or nuclear nonproliferation problems.
• Experience presenting scientific results to technical audiences, including professional society conferences and workshops.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of practices and technologies in one or more nuclear nonproliferation areas such as facility monitoring, international safeguards, or arms control.
• Understanding of nuclear nonproliferation, counterproliferation, or intelligence related to the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Experience with programming languages like Python, MATLAB, R, or similar.
• Proficiency in statistical approaches for scientific data analysis and/or the latest machine learning techniques, including deep learning models.
• Experience working with DOE National Laboratories or similar R&D organizations.

Special Requirements

Applicants must have received their Ph.D. within five years prior to the application date and must complete all degree requirements before starting the appointment. This appointment lasts up to 24 months, with potential extensions based on performance and funding.
Please submit three letters of reference when applying. References can be uploaded directly to your application or sent to [email protected] with the position title and number in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents:

1. Login to your account at jobs.ornl.gov
2. View Profile
3. Under "My Documents," select Add a Document

Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this position

Q Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE clearance. It is a Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) testing designated position, requiring pre-placement drug testing and participation in ongoing random drug testing.

Benefits at ORNL

ORNL provides competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain exceptional talent. Our benefits include medical and retirement plans