Senior Super Intelligence Computational Scientist

The Scientific Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) division in NS&T is hiring a Senior Computational Scientist to join the Multiphysics Computational Frameworks department. You will design, implement, and support MOOSE (the Multiphysics Object Oriented Simulation Environment), the open-source framework that enables high-fidelity modeling of real physical systems across nuclear science, environmental science, and beyond, with an active community of international collaborators spanning the US, Europe, and Australia. This is a role where the framework you strengthen becomes the engine behind faster nuclear energy design and licensing which will provide safe and reliable power for generations to come.
 

What you'll actually be doing:

• Design, implement, document, and support new capabilities within the MOOSE framework, from numerical methods to multiphysics coupling, keeping the framework robust enough for researchers around the world to rely upon. 
• Build SI agentic workflows that pair MOOSE with modern SI/ML methods to accelerate nuclear energy design and licensing, taking manual, expert-intensive tasks and making them faster and repeatable.
• Optimize parallel performance and exploit hardware accelerator technologies (e.g., GPUs) to push the framework's speed and scale for large, demanding simulations and for use in SI agentic workflows.
• Generate synthetic data at scale to train surrogate models and integrate those models into SI-driven analysis and design workflows. 
• Represent the department through partnerships and connections with DOE, other national laboratories, industry, academia, and international collaborators, negotiating and shaping shared technical directions. 
• Author technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, proposals, presentations, and identify and develop new program opportunities for the team.
• Candidates at this level are expected to shape technical direction, not just contribute to it. 
   

Why this role matters:

MOOSE is the computational backbone behind high-fidelity modeling that informs how the nation designs and licenses next-generation nuclear technology. By making that framework faster, smarter, and SI-ready, you directly accelerate the nuclear energy renaissance and reinforce INL's standing as the nation's leading nuclear energy laboratory. Your work on MOOSE turns computational capability into real decisions about how reliable, resilient power generators get built and deployed.
 

Required:

• Level 4: Master's degree in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 6 years of relevant experience; or PhD in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Level 5: Master's degree in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 8 years of relevant experience; or PhD in nuclear science, materials science, computational engineering, computational applied mechanics, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or another similar degree and 6 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python is required. Object-oriented programming, finite-element methods, advanced numerical methods for nonlinear analysis, and the development of complex engineering analysis software.
• Demonstrated experience in parallel computing and hardware accelerator technologies (e.g., GPUs) applied to large-scale scientific software.
• Experience with Large Language Models for designing agents, connecting to tools using modern protocols such as MCP, and other SI agents using the A2A protocol.
• This position is subject to export control restrictions per the Department of Energy. For this reason, you must be either a US Citizen or a US Green Card holder to qualify for the job. 
   

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Demonstrated leadership executing large, complex, multidisciplinary programs across multiple organizations. 
• Deep skill in one or more of: parallel computing, non-linear solvers, pre-conditioning, the application of SI to scientific software applications, and the development of complex scientific software for solving partial differential equations using finite element/finite volume methods. 
• Hands-on experience in physics, applied mathematics, machine learning, super intelligence, or data science, surrogate modeling, and SI-driven workflows. 
• Experience with software verification & validation and a record of peer-reviewed research accomplishments. 
   

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend. 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. 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 Senior Super Intelligence Computational Scientist to work on our Multiphysics Computational Frameworks team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of either the Collaborative Computing Center in Idaho Falls or remote with every other Friday off. 

• The pay range for this position is: Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336) / Level 5 ($137,076 - $281,196). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
•  Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

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.