Research Scientist

The department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering within theVCUCollege of Engineering is seeking a Research Scientist in Computational Nuclear Engineering to support and advance research in computational modeling and simulation for nuclear science and engineering applications. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research programs involving advanced computational methods reactor physics and multiphysics modeling nuclear system design and analysis and applications related to isotope production and isotope science.

Since its inception in 1996 the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Deans office the College of Engineering enrolls more than 2000 undergraduate and 500 graduate students in several degree programs supported by more than 650 full-time part-time and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity love of the city of Richmond and commitment to respect and access the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

Duties & Responsibilities

The position will support the research and educational objectives of a federally funded program focused on developing improved approaches for the efficient production of isotopes of interest and educating and training students to meet the growing workforce needs of the isotope R&D and production community. The Research Scientist will work closely with faculty graduate students undergraduate researchers and external collaborators and will be expected to contribute both technical expertise and research leadership to the group.

The primary responsibilities of this position include

• Computational Research and Method Development Conduct and support computational research in nuclear science and engineering including the development implementation verification and application of advanced modeling and simulation methods for nuclear systems with particular emphasis on applications supporting isotope production isotope science and related nuclear technologies.

• Collaborative Research Partner with faculty graduate students undergraduate researchers and external collaborators in the execution of existing research initiatives by providing expertise in computational nuclear system design numerical modeling simulation data analysis and interpretation of computational results.

• Development of New Research Directions Assist in identifying evaluating and developing new research opportunities aligned with the groups expertise from literature review initial concept development and feasibility studies through proposal preparation and project execution.

• External Research Funding Actively participate in the development of externally funded research proposals to federal agencies and other sponsors. The successful candidate will be highly encouraged to develop independent and collaborative research ideas and when appropriate and consistent with University and sponsor policies serve as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator in collaboration with faculty and other researchers.

• Research Documentation and Communication Document computational methodologies models software data and research findings and communicate results effectively to faculty students project sponsors external collaborators and other stakeholders through technical reports presentations and project meetings.

• Scholarly Dissemination Lead and contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles conference papers technical reports and presentations at established national and international conferences in nuclear science and engineering.

• Student Mentoring and Workforce Development Provide technical guidance and day-to-day research mentoring to undergraduate and graduate students involved in computational nuclear engineering and isotope-related research. Contribute to the education and training of students in computational tools modeling methodologies research practices and scientific communication relevant to careers in the nuclear and isotope R&D communities.

• Project Execution Work effectively in a collaborative multidisciplinary and time-sensitive research environment and contribute to the timely completion of project milestones deliverables sponsor requirements and research objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in nuclear engineering or a related discipline or equivalent work experience that equates to a Ph.D.

Have some full-time research or professional experience in computational nuclear engineering or closely related areas

Demonstrated experience with one or more nuclear analysis codes such as MCNP OpenMC SCALE etc.

Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific or engineering journals and present research at established technical or scientific conferences

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect professionalism and civility with a population of faculty staff and students from all backgrounds and experiences or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced computational expertise in reactor physics radiation transport multiphysics modeling isotope production or related nuclear applications

Scientific programming and high-performance computing experience including proficiency with languages such as Python CC or Fortran

Strong research productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications conference presentations and other significant scholarly contributions

Experience in research development and leadership including proposal preparation externally funded research student mentoring or coordination of collaborative research activities

Salary Range

80000 - 90000

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCUs robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits paid annual and holiday leave generous tuition benefits retirement planning and savings options tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs employee discounts well-being resources abundant opportunities for career development and advancement and more.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Hours per Week

40

Restricted Position

Yes

ORP Eligible

Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

University Job Title

3324B - Scientist RS BaseUnit College Of Engineering MBU

Department Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Contact Information

Contact Name Sierra Cloud

Contact Email cloudsevcu.edu