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Visiting Associate Scientist, Nuclear

The Visiting Associate Scientist splits their time performing supporting research under the supervision of the Center for Space Nuclear Research and personal research in pursuit of their higher education degree. Support duties may include, but are not limited to, design and analysis of performance of advanced nuclear propulsion systems, support of commercial and government nuclear power systems development, mission analysis, and nuclear testing capabilities development. . This position is a 1-2 year appointment, with a possible third-year extension, depending on performance , funding, and mutual agreement.

The Visiting Associate Scientist position has a 50% funded time research component, aligned with the funded project work at the Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR), which includes nuclear propulsion and nuclear power research and development activities. The remaining 50% personal time will be used to pursue a higher degree, including taking classes or performing dissertation research and writing.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

+ Perform and maintain active scientific research in space nuclear propulsion and power.

+ Represent CSNR through research collaborations, visits, workshops, conferences, etc.

+ Ensure the protection of the intellectual property of NASA, USRA and commercial partners with respect to commercial and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) concerns through disclosures, patent applications, and adherence to NASA’s scientific and technical information dissemination guidelines.

+ Support efforts by USRA Management to ensure that USRA conducts its business operations in an effective, cost-competitive, and professional manner.

+ Complete required training as scheduled.

+ Other job-related duties as assigned by the CSNR Director.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

+ BS in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or related field

+ Enrolled in a partner university degree program; Pursuing a Master of Science or Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Experience:

+ Experience in Nuclear systems design, manufacturing and/or testing.

+ Internships or work experience in nuclear systems engineering.

+ Demonstrated history of active research and research interests broadly related to the mission portfolio of the Center for Space Nuclear Research is preferred

Licenses / Certifications

+ Must be eligible for and willing to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance if needed in order to perform work duties.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

+ Excellent written and verbal communication in English is required

+ Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

+ Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

+ Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

+ Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

+ Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office and its applications.

+ Teamwork and the ability to work effectively with co-workers, customers, and supervisor in a professional and courteous manner.

Working Conditions:

This job primarily operates in a professional office and/or laboratory environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Extensive online usage. Keyboarding for large time spans each day will be a significant part of this position.

Travel:

This position is based at the Center for Space Nuclear Research, with occasional travel required associated with research duties, to include conference attendance and technical exchange meetings with sponsors and research Partners.