**Job Description**
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will focus on distributed sensing using optical fibers for maintenance and component health applications in microreactors. This role involves investigating optical fiber instrumentation such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR), and optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR). The candidate will install, configure, analyze, and develop signal processing algorithms to characterize structural health in microreactors and other advanced nuclear reactor technologies. Success metrics include scientific output, dissemination of results at conferences, and delivery of programmatic milestones.
**Skills & Abilities**
• Expertise in optical fiber communications and sensing.
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, or other language for data analysis or instrumentation control.
• Experience in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR), and/or other optical fiber sensing techniques (e.g., OFDR, EFPI).
• Experience implementing signal processing techniques, including IIR filters, transfer functions, spectral analysis.
• Experience working with benchtop instrumentation, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers.
• Experience designing/testing embedded microelectronics/photonics systems.
• Experience working at or collaboration with DOE national laboratories.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
• Physics
• Optical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Related discipline
**Experience**
Other:
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance from the Department of Energy.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, requiring a favorable post-employment background investigation and successful completion of a Federal Tier 1 background check.
• For foreign national candidates, ability to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination if not U.S. resident for three consecutive years, with subsequent requirement to obtain PIV credential upon meeting residency.
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