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Nuclear Engineering Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Nuclear Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University ... Please include "Postdoc Application" in the subject line. * Application materials should include a ...

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Nuclear Engineering Postdoc information

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$26K

$105.6K

$150K

How much do nuclear engineering postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineering postdoc in the United States is $105,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear engineering postdoc?

Nuclear Engineering Postdocs are individuals who have completed their PhD in nuclear engineering or a related field and are engaged in temporary research positions, typically at universities, national laboratories, or research institutions. These positions allow postdoctoral researchers to further develop their expertise, conduct independent or collaborative research, and publish their findings. Nuclear Engineering Postdocs often work on projects involving nuclear reactors, radiation protection, nuclear materials, or energy systems, and may mentor graduate students or assist with grant writing. The experience gained during a postdoc is valuable for pursuing careers in academia, industry, or government research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear engineering postdoc?

To thrive as a Nuclear Engineering Postdoc, you need a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering or a related field, with strong analytical and research skills in areas like reactor physics or radiation transport. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MCNP or SCALE), data analysis tools, and experience with laboratory instrumentation are typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration are crucial soft skills for publishing research and working within multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications ensure you can conduct high-level research, contribute to scientific advancements, and collaborate successfully in academic or research settings.

What are some common research challenges faced by nuclear engineering postdocs, and how can they be addressed?

Nuclear Engineering Postdocs often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving research technologies, managing complex experimental setups, and navigating interdisciplinary collaboration with physicists, chemists, and engineers. Staying up to date with the latest safety protocols and regulatory requirements is also essential. To address these challenges, postdocs are encouraged to actively participate in lab meetings, seek mentorship, and engage in professional development opportunities. Building strong communication skills and fostering collaborations within and outside the department can greatly enhance research outcomes.

What is the difference between Nuclear Engineering Postdoc vs Nuclear Engineer?

AspectNuclear Engineering PostdocNuclear Engineer
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Nuclear Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Nuclear Engineering; often requires PE license for certain roles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, academic settingsPower plants, research facilities, industry
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labs, research institutionsEnergy companies, government agencies, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic research, postdoctoral opportunitiesEngineering design, operational roles

The main difference is that a Nuclear Engineering Postdoc focuses on research and academic development after earning a Ph.D., often in university or government labs. In contrast, a Nuclear Engineer applies engineering principles in industry or operational settings, often with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Postdocs are typically temporary research roles, while Nuclear Engineers work in ongoing engineering projects and operations.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Engineering Postdoc jobs?

For Nuclear Engineering Postdoc jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineering Postdoc job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar, Nuclear Engineering

University Park, PA • On-site

Penn State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Penn State Universityexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Penn State University rating

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Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

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Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Nuclear Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral scholar position focused on developing capillary porous systems (CPS) for liquid metals as plasma-facing components in future tokamaks.
The successful candidate will work under the mentorship of Prof. Xing Wang and will lead research efforts that include:
  • Designing and fabricating CPS using advanced manufacturing methods such as field-assisted sintering, laser processing, etc.
  • Investigating CPS-liquid metal interactions through in-situ and ex-situ characterization techniques.
  • Evaluating CPS performance under plasma exposure and reactor-relevant conditions.

The postdoctoral scholar will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including Prof. Martin Nieto at Penn State, to advance the technical readiness level of liquid metals for next-generation fusion reactors.
Learn more about the research groups here:
Prof. Xing Wang's research group: https://sites.psu.edu/rdmap/
The position is open immediately and will remain available until filled.
Qualifications
Required:
  • A Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
  • Prior experience in plasma-material interactions, plasma facing materials, vacuum systems, and surface characterization.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Application Instructions
Interested applicants should:
  • Contact Prof. Xing Wang at xvw5285@psu.edu with their CV attached. Please include "Postdoc Application" in the subject line.
  • Application materials should include a brief statement of purpose and a full CV.
  • Submit application materials online through the Penn State Careers website using the "Apply" link above.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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