Nuclear Data Scientist

At Idaho National Laboratory, you'll analyze data and generate results across cloud, on-premises, and edge-based computational architectures, apply technologies including explainable AI, large language models, and physics-informed machine learning, and develop software including 3D visualization tools, parallel software, and web API solutions in support of research objectives. You'll work with domain experts to understand the scope of questions data can answer, design output metrics that describe system behavior, collaborate with government agencies, academia, and industry partners, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.

Essential Job Functions And Responsibilities

• Analyze data and generate results in response to data analytics, visualization, and modeling needs on a variety of computational architectures (cloud, on-premises, edge-based).
• Apply advanced technologies, such as Explainable Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Large Language Models (LLMs), physics-informed machine learning, systems performance analysis, and/or data sensor fusion methodologies.
• Apply nuclear engineering domain knowledge to identify opportunities for machine learning and data-driven analysis within nuclear systems, operations, or research programs.
• Support the development, validation, and interpretation of ML models and data pipelines in the context of nuclear applications.
• Collaborate with data science teams to translate nuclear engineering requirements into analytical frameworks.
• Assist in the evaluation of model outputs using nuclear domain expertise to ensure physical accuracy and operational relevance.
• Contribute to technical documentation, reports, and presentations related to ML-assisted nuclear engineering efforts
• Lead efforts in writing journal articles, conference proceedings, etc.
• Ability to coherently present complex materials to a wide audience.
• Work under general supervision on defined tasks with moderate complexity.

• Level 1: Bachelor of Science degree in data science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, autonomy, artificial intelligence, or related technical discipline.
• Working familiarity with machine learning concepts, data analysis tools, or scientific computing (e.g., Python, R).
• Ability to interpret and communicate data-driven results within a nuclear engineering context.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE level “Q” security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

• Experience with nuclear simulation codes (e.g., MCNP, SCALE, RELAP, MOOSE)
• Exposure to supervised/unsupervised learning techniques or data visualization tools
• Degree in Nuclear Engineering or related discipline

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.

Job Information

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Nuclear Data Scientist to work on our Computational Data Science team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our REC facility with every other Friday off.

• The pay range for this position is $66,504 - $136,356. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other 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.

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.

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.