Computational Geoscientist

You'll be at the forefront of shaping next-generation tools that drive breakthroughs in nuclear energy, infrastructure resilience, and cutting-edge scientific research. Your work will harness the latest computational techniques to solve some of the nation's most critical challenges in nuclear technology and beyond. From advancing materials science to enhancing energy systems, your expertise will enable INL to deliver innovative solutions that power the future. Join a team driven by legacy and purpose, where your code becomes a cornerstone of scientific discovery.

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Computational Geoscientist to work in our Geothermal Energy and Subsurface Systems group. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

We are seeking an early to mid-career computational subsurface scientist to join our team in the Geothermal Energy and Subsurface Systems group. In this role, you will develop and implement advanced computational models to simulate subsurface processes, with a primary focus on heat and mass transport in fractured and porous media relevant to geothermal energy, subsurface energy storage, and mining and geomechanics. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop research proposals, lead funded research programs, and develop models of complex subsurface systems. Excellent problem-solving skills, proficiency in scientific programming, and a commitment to advancing subsurface science are essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with and lead other researchers in the development and implementation of subsurface models - including single- and multiphase flow, thermal transport, reactive transport, and fracture-matrix interactions.

• Integrate field and laboratory data to verify and refine models of subsurface systems

• Collaborate with other researchers in writing grant proposals for external funding opportunities.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present findings at conferences and workshops.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MS + 2 years of relevant experience or PhD + 2 years of relevant experience in geology, petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or a closely related field
• Background in theoretical and computational modeling of subsurface systems, with emphasis on heat and mass transport in fractured and porous media
• Domain knowledge in subsurface engineering (geothermal, oil & gas, carbon capture/sequestration)
• Experience with numerical methods for flow and transport (e.g., finite element, finite volume, or related approaches)
• Strong coding experience with C++, Python, or GPU acceleration
• Good written communication skills in English as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Experience:

• Experience using INL's Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework.
• Experience performing thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled simulations
• Experience performing thermo-hydro-chemical-mechanical coupled simulations
• A background in geomechanics, fracture mechanics, or numerical methods related to modeling fractures
• Strong publication record in high impact journals
• Experience writing competitive research proposals
• Understanding of funding mechanism across relevant DOE offices (HGEO, CMEI, ARPA-E)

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend. 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. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is ($95,256 - $195,288) . At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

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.