Human Factors Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in human factors or comparable discipline for the Human Factors and Reliability Department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on system reliability and optimizing performance of electric power transmission and distribution systems. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls with every other Friday off.

As a human factors postdoctoral fellow at Idaho National Laboratory, your research will directly shape the human-centric introduction of advanced technologies and processes into the nation's critical infrastructure. By performing cutting-edge human factors research in a multidisciplinary team, your work will have the potential to impact system reliability and optimize performance of electric power transmission and distribution systems. Join INL's legacy of driving innovation and technological leadership where your contributions will help define the principles that safeguard America's most vital infrastructure and empower breakthroughs in energy technologies.

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

Responsibilities Include:

• Performing human-centered research on electric grid operations including facilitating introduction of new technology like grid enhancing technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) into the control room.
• Conducting experimental work, including designing and carrying out human subjects research. Analyze experimental data and evaluate results.
• Using human factors methods to evaluate, rigorously test, and validate automation, AI, and machine learning tools for high consequence use cases.
• Assisting and developing the capacity to influence/lead independent and multidisciplinary research on human factors and empirical psychology projects.
• Developing ability to contribute to and develop research proposals for novel, impactful research concerning lab related domains.
• Developing skills to engage with customers to coordinate collaboration with INL projects.
• Developing and maintain good customer relationships that are essential to the success of projects and programs.
• Disseminating research through publication of reports, journal and conference papers; presentation at conferences; and working directly with stakeholders like utilities, commercial vendors, and regulatory entities.
  
  

Required:

• PhD in human factors, experimental psychology, industrial engineering, human-computer interaction, or a related scientific/engineering field.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.
  
  

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Electric grid domain knowledge and/or experience.
• Experience performing research in applied energy domains.
• Experience with automation, machine learning, and AI tools.
  

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. 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 without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is $105,144.00 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.