Research Development Associate Jobs in Idaho (NOW HIRING)

For more than 75 years, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) scientists and engineers have helped solve some of the nation's most pressing energy, environment and national security challenges. INL is seeking candidates for Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associates. These appointments are awarded to early career engineers and scientists who will help INL to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure. Candidates must have exceptional scientific records and potential for significant future achievements. Candidates come from a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to: engineering; chemistry; physics; materials science; computer science; mathematics; cybersecurity; statistics; economics; data science and political science.  

Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associates split their time between INL mission-critical work and an independent research project they develop together with their INL sponsor.  
 

Application Deadline:  

The application period closes November 1, 2026.   
 

Required:

• Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. before their postdoctoral appointment begins and no more than 5 years prior to starting the position.
• Applicants must have a record of impact and research excellence, demonstrated through concrete metrics such as journal publications and/or peer-reviewed conferences.
• Applicants must develop an independent research proposal that supports the INL mission and takes advantage of the institution's unique capabilities.  
• Applicants must be sponsored by an INL researcher who must provide a letter of recommendation (see below).  

Application Process:  

Please submit the following materials:  

• Letter of interest (1,000 words or less) that details:  
  • Why you want to work at INL
  • Long-term professional goals  
  • Dates of availability  
  • Development goals that include descriptions of strengths and disciplinary areas for research  
• Research proposal (see below)  
• Letter of recommendation from INL sponsor (see below)
• Two additional letters of recommendation (one preferred to be from Ph.D. advisor).
• Curriculum vitae  
• Dissertation abstract  
• Unofficial transcripts  

Applicants must submit all required materials through www.inl.gov/careers. Letters of recommendation may be sent directly to postdocrecruiting@inl.gov. Applications that do not follow all submission instructions may be deemed ineligible. Finalists may be asked to provide additional information.  
 

Research Proposal:  

Applicants must prepare a proposal for an independent research project that they will complete as part of their postdoc appointment. The proposal should be limited to approximately 50% of full time for up to two years. The project must be in the forefront areas of science, engineering, and technology relevant to INL's vision to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure. The project can be basic research, applied research, or experimental development.  

Applicants are encouraged to work with INL researchers in the development and refinement of this proposal. There is no required template or format. It should be no longer than 1,000 words, and it should clearly describe:

• The research to be addressed
• Why this research should be conducted at INL
• Proposed methods of investigation or development
• Guiding relevant theoretical frameworks
• Proposed conference presentations and journal publications
• Proposed research schedule including significant milestones and deliverables
• Major equipment needs and other necessary resources 

INL Sponsorship:  

Applicants must identify an INL researcher to sponsor their application and provide a letter of recommendation. This letter is not a commitment to hire nor to mentor the applicant, but it is an endorsement that the applicant would be a valuable addition to INL. Here are some resources that may help you to identify potential sponsors:  

• Learn about our research programs and capabilities:https://inl.gov/research-programs/ 
• Identify relevant recent INL publications and the associated authors:INL Experts  
• Network with researchers at professional conferences
• Leverage the professional networks of advisors, colleagues, and others
• Contact our recruiters: postdocrecruiting@inl.gov     

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

Our team works a 9x80 or 4x10 schedule (organization dependent) located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every (4x10) or every other (9x80) Friday off.

• The pay for this position is $119,088.00 Annually. 
• TDP: This may be a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.