2025 Graduate Fellow - Computational Modeling of Waste Glass Melters

Why EM-MSIPP? 

The mission of the Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (EM MSIPP) is to create and support a sustainable career pathway that prepares a diverse workforce of talented students to make immediate and significant contributions to the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM). To achieve this mission, MSIPP develops strategic partnerships between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and DOE-EM, investing in student enrichment programs, curriculum development, research efforts, and internship opportunities. EM MSIPP develops programs that align with DOE-EM missions to enhance research opportunities at underrepresented colleges and Universities in efforts to diversity the STEM workforce. 

Job Description 

An EM MSIPP Grad Fellow will receive training in targeted technical areas outlined in various DOE-EM scope job responsibilities. The 13-month salaried fellowship will offer specialized training, leadership and professional development. Completion of this fellowship will provide hands-on and field experiences that may lead to potential career opportunities within the DOE workforce complex. 

Responsibilities 

• The student will join a team of experienced engineers and scientists in modeling nuclear waste processing. INL’s role is to provide modeling and simulation support to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant.
• Computational fluid dynamics in concert with machine learning/artificial intelligence methods will be used to predict and optimize melter operations. 
• The student will be responsible for performing analyses and reporting results in technical papers.

Job Specifics: 

• Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho
• Remote: NO
• Pay: $60,000 (obtaining graduate degree); $72,000 (postgraduate)
• Sign On Bonus: Yes
• Job Length: 13-month assignment

Eligibility Requirements 

• Majors: Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must have graduated from or enrolled in a MSI.
• Must be eligible for security clearance based on position requirements.
• Enrolled in a graduate program or have graduated at the time of application AND have a current cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Earned or working towards a STEM degree (undergraduate or graduate)

Preferred Skills 

• Strong background in Multiphysics modeling, capturing thermal effects, and machine learning applications in experimental design
• Proficiency in simulation and modeling to predict and improve process outcomes
• Strong programming skills, especially Python
• Ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines, integrating various technological approaches to innovation
• Experience with machine learning/artificial intelligence and process optimization