Energy Geoscientist

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 114,000 - 281,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Relocation package

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory seeks an energy geoscientist to lead subsurface assessments for enhanced geothermal systems. The role collaborates with geologists, geophysicists, and engineers to build defensible 3D earth models and translate them into reservoir simulations.

The successful candidate will supervise multidisciplinary work and advance external research funding. Our team operates on a 9x80 schedule out of the Idaho Falls facility, with opportunities to collaborate with industry partners

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required with substantial subsurface geoscience experience in geothermal or related energy fields.
• DOE sponsorship experience or engagement with DOE programs is preferred.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and secure external funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead geoscience assessment and model development for geothermal systems.
• Coordinate integration of subsurface, well, and operational data into 3D earth models.
• Lead reservoir simulations, calibration, uncertainty analysis, and risk assessment.
• Develop and pursue long-term research funding through proposals and industry partnerships.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed venues and present to sponsors and peers.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Uncertainty analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

MS in geology/geophysics/geological engineering/earth science

PhD in geology/geophysics/geological engineering/earth science

Tools

Reservoir simulation

MOOSE framework

Job description

Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring an energy geoscientist to lead integrated subsurface assessment and evaluation for enhanced geothermal systems and other energy applications. The position, housed within the Critical Minerals and Geothermal Energy Department, will work closely with geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, reservoir engineers, and computational scientists to characterize geologic systems; integrate geologic, geophysical, geochemical, well, and operational data, develop and maintain defensible three-dimensional earth and conceptual models and translate those models into reservoir simulations and resource-performance evaluations. The chosen scientist will lead multidisciplinary technical work, explicitly evaluate uncertainty and risk, build a thriving externally funded research portfolio, disseminate results through technical presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and technical reports, and work closely with industry partners to accelerate commercial deployment of enhanced geothermal systems.

Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring an energy geoscientist to lead integrated subsurface assessment and evaluation for enhanced geothermal systems and other energy applications. The position, housed within the Critical Minerals and Geothermal Energy Department, will work closely with geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, reservoir engineers, and computational scientists to characterize geologic systems; integrate geologic, geophysical, geochemical, well, and operational data, develop and maintain defensible three-dimensional earth and conceptual models and translate those models into reservoir simulations and resource-performance evaluations. The chosen scientist will lead multidisciplinary technical work, explicitly evaluate uncertainty and risk, build a thriving externally funded research portfolio, disseminate results through technical presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and technical reports, and work closely with industry partners to accelerate commercial deployment of enhanced geothermal systems.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

Essential Job Functions And Responsibilities

• Lead geologic assessment and characterization of deep geothermal and other energy-resource systems, including integration and interpretation of subsurface, well, and operational datasets.
• Lead development and iterative updating of three-dimensional earth and conceptual models that capture stratigraphy, structure, lithology, alteration, natural fractures, stress, temperature, fluid flow, and key uncertainties.
• Lead reservoir simulation, calibration, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, and technical evaluation of resource performance, development options, and subsurface risk.
• Contribute to long-term R&D strategy for geothermal systems. Actively pursue and secure funding for future research efforts through proposals and industry partnerships.
• Write peer-reviewed publications and technical reports and represent INL through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers at conferences and symposia.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Level 4: Masters of Science degree in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, earth science, or a closely related field and 6+ years of relevant professional experience in subsurface geoscience for geothermal, oil and gas, carbon storage, critical minerals, or a related energy field or a PhD in a related field and 4+ years of related experience.
• Level 5: Masters of Science degree in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, earth science, or a closely related field and 8+ years of relevant professional experience in subsurface geoscience for geothermal, oil and gas, carbon storage, critical minerals, or a related energy field or a PhD in a related field and 6+ years of related experience
• Experience in engaging program sponsors at DOE, industry and other federal agencies.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary subsurface teams through the execution of large, multi-year technical research or field-development projects.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Ph.D. in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, earth science, or a closely related field.
• Significant experience with reservoir simulation, model calibration, uncertainty analysis, and resource or project evaluation; familiarity with MOOSE or other multiphysics frameworks is a plus.
• Experience at a DOE national laboratory, DOE, or experience in engaging with DOE.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. Field work includes working in remote locations within radioactive boundary areas (RBA), and overnight travel for extended field work. 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 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public 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: Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336) / Level 5 ($137,076 - $281,196). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

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.