Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence, Hybrid Modelling and Digital Twins for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) Fundacion IMDEA Energia in Spain

IMDEA Energy is offering a postdoctoral researcher position at the intersection of artificial intelligence, hybrid physical-data modelling, and digital twins for small modular reactors (SMRs). The role is based in the Artificial Intelligence Unit and the Nuclear Technologies Unit, with close collaboration across both teams to establish a new research line in AI-enabled nuclear energy systems.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of scientific and technological foundations for SMR digital twins, starting from simplified models and simulated data and later extending toward more complex models and experimental data from research and industrial collaborators. Core topics include model design, simulation acceleration, uncertainty quantification, explainability, validation, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance.

Research tasks include a state-of-the-art review of physical, data-driven, and hybrid models for nuclear energy systems; selection of suitable AI methodologies and physical base models such as neutronics and thermal-hydraulics; development of surrogate models and machine learning methods to speed up simulations; design of the digital twin architecture and data interface; and creation of an initial demonstrator for an SMR system or component. The postdoc will also generate and analyse datasets, validate models against simulated and experimental data, support proposals and deliverables, and present results at relevant scientific conferences.

The position is especially suited to candidates with a strong background in scientific modelling of physical systems and AI methodologies, plus experience with Python and software engineering for scientific code. Desirable expertise includes thermo-hydraulics, heat transfer, reactor safety, digital twins, physics-informed neural networks, reinforcement learning, time-series analysis, uncertainty quantification, cloud/HPC computing, and simulation tools such as MOOSE, RELAP, TRACE, OpenModelica, OpenFOAM, OpenMC, ANSYS, or COMSOL.

The contract is temporary and full-time (40 hours/week). The salary is between €40,000 and €44,000 per year, depending on qualification and expertise, and includes Spanish public health and social security benefits. The application deadline is 24 September 2026. Candidates are expected to demonstrate alignment with the requested profile, relevant work experience, and motivation to launch a high-quality interdisciplinary research line in AI for the nuclear sector.

Apply via the official IMDEA Energy jobs portal at the link provided in the announcement.