Geomechanics Researcher

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. Additionally, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system;

and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

The Environmental Subsurface Science Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks applications for a Geomechanics Researcher position. The applicant must have experience in one or more of the following areas:
Reservoir geomechanics, subsurface stress measurement and interpretation, Bayesian statistics and risk analysis, hydraulic fracturing mechanics, and 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 comply with PNNL policies regarding environmental health and safety, waste management, and protection of intellectual property.

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 areas of mechanics, statistics, geology, and scientific software development. Although the position is primarily computationally focused, some opportunity for laboratory and field work is possible.

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• MS/MA
  -OR-
• PhD

• 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.
• Programming skills:
  Proficiency in Python, Julia, C++, or FORTRAN, with a working knowledge of git and software QA/AC
• Geomechanics: stress analysis, well log analysis, breakout analysis, triaxial test interpretation, hydraulic fracture analysis
• Scientific Computing (finite element, finite volume, etc.)
• Seismology:
  Earthquake location, source mechanism inversion, probabilistic seismic hazard analysis

Not Applicable

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation:
  Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified…