Design and Modeling of Plasma Facing Component Armor in Fusion Reactors - Research

Description

The University of Tennessee invites applications for a Research
Assistant/Associate Professor position focused on integrated
thermal–mechanical modeling of plasma–material interactions in
fusion reactors. We seek candidates with expertise in
micromechanics and/or nonlinear finite element modeling, a strong
foundation in physics and continuum mechanics, and demonstrated
expertise in advanced scientific code development and/or
uncertainty quantification and propagation . Working with the
University of Tennessee–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII),
the successful candidate will develop predictive multiphysics
models to assess and guide the design of plasma-facing materials
and components.

• The research will address the coupled thermal and mechanical

response of plasma-facing components (PFCs) in magnetic fusion
energy systems, with particular emphasis on the evolution of
material properties and component performance under extreme
operating conditions. These components experience high-energy
particle irradiation, cyclic thermal and mechanical loading, and
repeated bombardment by relatively low-energy light ions. Together,
these processes alter surface morphology, thermophysical
properties, and mechanical behavior, with consequences for
component integrity and lifetime.

• Research priorities include developing micromechanical and

nonlinear finite element models of deformation, damage, and failure
under coupled irradiation, creep, and fatigue; developing and
coupling computational models of plasma exposure, material
evolution, and component response; and quantifying how
uncertainties in material properties, loading conditions, and model
parameters propagate through coupled simulations to affect
predictions of performance and lifetime. The work will involve
scientific software development, numerical algorithm development,
and the integration of plasma and materials modeling codes into
computational environments such as the Integrated Plasma Simulator
(IPS) framework.

• The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty,

postdoctoral researchers, and students in Nuclear Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and
Physics, as well as scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(ORNL).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil

Structural Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry,
Applied Mathematics or other discipline related to development of
Materials for Extreme Environments.

• Significant research experience following the doctoral degree

is desired, with a documented publication record.

• Demonstrated experience with code development for the

mechanical response of materials or of components.

• Experience in statistical science/uncertainty quantification is

beneficial

• Experience with obtaining funding and student mentoring is

beneficial.

• 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
encouraged.

• Demonstrated Reserach Skills:
• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work

in a collaborative team environment spanning experiments and
modeling.

• A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired,

although collaboration with more senior investigators will be
expected.

• This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access

badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Preferred Requirements:

• 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.

Additional Information

• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
• The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee,

Knoxville.

• The primary work location for this position is on the

University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville and may include visits
to collaborator sites on the campuses of ORNL and UTK.

• The position will be implemented as an initial three-year

contract with full salary support for the first year, followed by a
gradual increase in expected external salary funding in subsequent
years.

• The applicant will be expected to recruit graduate students by

year three.

• A competitive startup package including funds for graduate

students and 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.

• The candidate must be eligible for initial clearance at Oak

Ridge National Laboratory.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should send inquiries to the Search Chair,
Prof. Brian Wirth (Governor’s Chair Professor in Computational
Nuclear Engineering) at bdwirth@utk.edu.

All application material should be submitted in Interfolio at
apply.interfolio.com/XXXXX.

Applications must include:

• Letter of interest
• Comprehensive curriculum vitae
• Research plan
• Three professional references including names, addresses, and

telephone numbers

More About UT-ORII

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute
(UT-ORII) was launched by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge
National Laboratory in 2021, in response to America’s need for a
stronger pool of science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM) talent.

UT-ORII is leveraging its joint UT-ORNL resources to foster an
earlier interest in STEM in Tennessee schools, grow its
interdisciplinary graduate programs, and accelerate collaborative
discovery and innovation in convergent research initiatives of
critical importance to the nation and to Tennessee. Learn more
about the
Fusion Technology and Materials for Extreme Environments
Convergent Reserach Initaitive.

More About UT Knoxville

UT Knoxville, which includes the UT Space Institute and the UT
Institute of Agriculture, serves the state by educating its
citizens, enhancing its culture, and making a difference in
people’s lives through research and service. It embodies excellence
in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach,
and engagement. To learn more about UT Knoxville visit UTK.edu .

More About ORNL

Leveraging the talents of its world-class researchers and
exceptional support staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping
solve critical scientific and technical challenges and, in so
doing, creating economic opportunity for the nation.

ORNL provides access to unique facilities, laboratories, and
equipment, drawing thousands of visiting researchers each year. To
learn more about ORNL visit https://www.ornl.gov .

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for
employment and admission without regard to race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual
orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability,
genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any
other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In
accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively
states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or
disability in its education programs and activities, and this
policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to
the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840
Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu , or by phone at 865-974-2498.
Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and
national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA
(disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age),
sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the
Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator
Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to
investigations@utk.edu
, or by phone at 865-974-0717.