Requisition ID: req36991

Working Title:
Research Asst Professor

Position Summary:
UNM Nuclear Engineering Department seeks a Research Assistant Professor to lead modeling, simulation, and experimental work on passive decay heat removal in fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (FHRs) under molten salt leakage accident conditions. The position supports a funded research program spanning system-level modeling, transient multi-physics simulation, comparative analysis of ex-core cooling strategies (RCCS and PRACS), and validation against a reduced-scale salt leak test facility. The successful candidate will conduct independent research, contribute to proposals and publications, and help mentor graduate students. This is a full-time, grant-funded appointment with an initial one-year term and the possibility of renewal.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop system-level models of FHR cores and reactor cavity cooling systems to capture transient decay heat generation and removal under salt-loss conditions, using MATLAB or Python.
• Perform coupled neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, and burn-up analysis, and conduct CFD studies (RANS with conjugate heat transfer) to identify post-shutdown temperature hotspots.
• Compare ex-core decay heat removal strategies (RCCS versus PRACS) using in-house models and/or MELCOR, and quantify removal efficiency, response time, and safety margins.
• Support scaling analysis and the design, construction, and operation of a reduced-scale RCCS and salt facility, and use the experimental data to validate and refine the computational models.
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and proposal material, and present results to sponsors and at conferences.
• Co-advise and train graduate and undergraduate researchers
Campus:
Main - Albuquerque, NM

Benefits Eligble:
The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.

Department:
Nuclear Engineering (327A)

Employment Type:
Faculty

Faculty Type:
Research
Hiring Department:
School of Engineering

Academic Location:
Nuclear Engineering (327A)
Benefits Eligible:
The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.
For Best Consideration Date:
This position will remain open until filled.Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated research experience in thermal-hydraulics, heat transfer, or reactor physics, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Proficiency in scientific programing with MARLAB or Python
• Hands-on experience with at least one thermal-hydraulics, CFD, or reactor analysis code (for example, MELCOR, STAR-CCM+ or an equivalent tool.).
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience with advanced or Generation IV reactors, particularly molten salt or fluoride-salt-cooled systems.
• Familiarity with passive safety systems such as RCCS or PRACS and with decay heat removal under accident conditions.
• Experience coupling neutronics and thermal-hydraulics codes, or with multi-physics frameworks.
• Experience designing, building, or operating thermal-hydraulic test facilities, including instrumentation, scaling analysis, and high-temperature molten salt loops.
• A record of contributing to research proposals and mentoring students.
• Knowledge of the reactor licensing process and related safety analysis.
• A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and the success of the University's mission to serve local and global communities