Postdoctoral Researcher position in Modelling and Simulation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

IMDEA Energy is opening a Postdoctoral Researcher Position for for its newly established Nuclear Technology Unit, looking for talented and motivated candidates to conduct modelling and simulation activities related to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies.

The successful candidate will join the Unit and work under the coordination of its senior researchers in one or more areas such as reactor physics and neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, multiphysics simulation, transient and safety analysis, or hybrid models and digital twins.

The position offers the opportunity to contribute from the outset to new scientific and computational capabilities, publications, projects and national and international collaborations.

Tasks Description:

• Participate in developing models and simulation tools for SMRs and advanced nuclear technologies.
• Perform calculations, analyse results, and contribute to model verification and validation.
• Collaborate in advanced methodologies, including multiphysics simulation, reduced-order models, scientific AI or digital twins.
• Participate in R&D projects, technical meetings and collaborations with universities, research centres and companies.
• Prepare scientific publications, technical reports and conference contributions.
• Contribute to the Unit's general activities and to the preparation of new research proposals.
• Develop increasing research autonomy under the scientific supervision of the responsible researchers.

Requirements

Compulsory Requirements:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Energy Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Early postdoctoral profile, with an indicative maximum of four years of research experience following completion of the PhD.
• Experience in modelling, computational simulation, scientific programming, or the analysis of physical or energy systems.

Other merits to value:

• Knowledge of reactor physics, neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, multiphysics simulation, nuclear safety or SMR technologies.
• Experience with Python, C/C++, Fortran, Julia, MATLAB or scientific simulation codes.
• Experience in reduced-order models, scientific AI, uncertainty quantification or digital twins.
• Scientific publications and participation in R&D projects.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and motivation to develop a career in nuclear technology.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Selection Criteria

• Adequacy of the candidate's training to the requested profile.
• Experience in modelling, simulation and scientific programming.
• Scientific output and participation in projects.
• Motivation and fit with the Unit's activities.

Conditions

• Remuneration: Between 40.000€ – 44.000€ per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.

*The contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish Public Health and Social Security System.

• Contract: Contract in accordance with current legislation

Workplace

IMDEA Energía, Móstoles, Madrid

Documents

• PhD Certificate
• Relevant scientifics publications
• Motivation Letter

Final decisions will be personally communicated by e-mail to all candidates.

Equal opportunities are guaranteed in the selection process, without any forms of discrimination. Female applicants are encouraged to apply to favor parity in employment.

IMDEA Energy commitment is to guarantee equality in measures to balance personal, family and working life and to promote gender equality.