Job Description

Join a dynamic team of scientists focused on advancing numerical techniques and algorithms to analyze, understand and predict behaviors of complex geophysical systems over large spatiotemporal scales.

The Computational Geophysics and Geomechanics Team within the Environmental Subsurface Science Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position. The applicant must have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Subsurface stress measurement and interpretation
• Reservoir geomechanics
• Bayesian statistics and risk analysis
• Hydraulic fracturing mechanics
• Earthquake seismology

Through their work, the candidate will also develop an internal and external network of collaborators and project partners and participate in professional societies at the regional and national level. The candidate is expected to publish scientific findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals as well as present work at professional conferences. Finally, the position requires that the candidate complies with PNNL policies regarding environmental health and safety, waste management, and protection of intellectual property. The position is immediately available for 12 to 24 months, with the potential for an additional 12 months or transition to a permanent position, dependent upon available funding and sustained performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

An ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to data quality and accuracy, strong written and oral communication skills as evidenced by scientific publications and conference presentations and be able to work independently and in a team setting.

The applicant should have a significant level of knowledge and/or direct working experience in in areas of mechanics, statistics, geology, scientific software development, and hydrology. Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following is preferred:

• Programming skills: Proficiency in Python, Julia, or C++ with a working knowledge of git and software QA/AC
• Seismology: Earthquake location and source mechanism inversion
• Field experience with in-situ stress testing any hydraulic fracturing and willingness to participate in field activities as needed
• National instruments data acquisition and controls
• Finite element methods
• Visualization (e.g. with Visit, Paraview)
• Experience working with synthetic and field datasets

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Science or Engineering; will also consider candidates possessing Ph.D. in other related fields with relevant experience.