Data Scientist for Nuclear Power Applications Postdoctoral Researcher

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Data Science for the Department of Plant Optimization. The ideal candidate should possess a robust technical background and practical experience with large language models (LLMs).

The Postdoctoral Researcher will have the following key responsibilities:

• Develop, fine-tune, and optimize LLMs.
• Design and implement efficient retrieval-augmented generation systems.
• Create advanced prompt engineering strategies to enhance model performance and utility.
• Demonstrate expertise in embedding techniques, with a clear understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability to various use cases.
• Perform comprehensive data preprocessing, including cleaning, normalization, and integration of diverse data types such as text, images, and tabular data.
• Analyze and structure complex datasets, including unstructured data types such as images and tables.
• Apply advanced AI model optimization techniques to improve the efficiency and performance of large and frontier models for specific applications.
• Understand the principles and trade-offs associated with large-scale machine learning systems.
• Develop agentic AI systems including multi-modal models.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with management, co-workers, and customers.
• Publish research results in a mix of journal publications and conference proceedings.
• Write or contribute to the writing of technical reports.
• Prepare competitive proposals for the DOE or internal INL funding opportunities.

• Give technical presentations to internal and external audiences.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Research and Education Campus in Idaho Falls, ID, with every other Friday off.

You are expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. You must be self-motivated but also take directions from other team members and peers

Required:

• PhD in Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or comparable disciplines.

• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.

• Experience in data science, data analysis, and software development using Python, C#, Java or C++.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication in English.
• This position is subject to export control restrictions per the Department of Energy. For this reason, you must be either a US Citizen or a US Green Card holder to qualify for the job.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience in distributed processing frameworks and high-performance computing resources to build and deploy scalable AI solutions.
• Experience in model optimization and deployment on NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, ensuring efficient utilization of computational resources.
• Experience in computer vision or time-series data analytics, including practical applications in real-world scenarios.
• Experience with vision language models and large behavioral models.
• Knowledge of data architecture, data structuring, and best practices for managing large-scale data pipelines.
• Familiarity with nuclear engineering concepts, including nuclear reactors and associated data, is a significant advantage.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
  

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend. 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. 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:

• The pay for this position is $105,144 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

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.