Modeling Hydrogen Retention and Permeation in Fusion Materials – Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Fall 2024

The University of Tennessee has an opening for a Research Assistant / Associate Professor in the area of computational multiscale materials modeling of hydrogen isotope permeation, trapping and retention in relevant materials and components for fusion reactors.

The successful candidate will be working with a new University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) project developing materials for extreme applications with a focus on fusion environments.

This work will be focused on utilizing a suite of computational multiscale materials modeling techniques ranging from first principles- based electronic structure models to molecular dynamics and mesoscale models such as kinetic Monte Carlo or spatially-dependent reaction-diffusion-advection cluster dynamics.

The modeling of hydrogen isotope behavior in these materials will be part of a larger set of experiment-theory feedback loops evaluating plasma facing components and structural materials in the fusion environment and associated performance degradation.

The work will also be closely coupled with experimental activities.

The research faculty will work collaboratively with a team of faculty, postdoctoral associates, and students in Nuclear Engineering (NE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), and Physics, as well as scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Demonstrated Research Skills

• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment spanning experiments and modeling.
• ar path to independence as a researcher is desired, although collaboration with more senior investigators will be expected.
• Since the investigator may participate in providing some level of instruction in accord with the UT-ORII mission, some formal teaching experience is desirable.
• A commitment to mentoring junior investigators who will work with the Research Faculty is important and, if available, demonstrated experience is a plus.

Required :

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or other discipline related to development of Materials for Extremes.
• Signficant research experience following the doctoral degree is desired, with a documented publication record.
• Demonstrated experience with computational materials modeling within a multiscale paradigm.
• This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Preferred :

Candidates with experience in more than one discipline, or interest in collaboration across these disciplines are preferred.

However, candidates who can define a unique area are also encoruaged.

Experience with obtaining funding and student mentoring is beneficial.

Additional Information About Position

• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
• The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• The position will be implemented as an initial three-year contract with full salary support for the first year, followed by a gradual decrease in salary coverage such that the successful applicant will receive 50% salary support in year 5 (if renewed after the third year) and is expected to receive extramural funding by year 3 or earlier.
• The applicant will be expected to recruit multiple graduate students by year three.
• Continuation of the position will depend on the success of the hire and the team in attracting multi-year funding.
• A competitive startup package including support for PhD students and budget for equipment will be offered.
• Salary and title / rank will be determined commensurate with experience.
• Benefits will be typical of exempt employees at the University of Tennessee.
30+ days ago