Geo-Energy Systems Postdoctoral Researcher

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 99,500 - 109,911; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

Flexible schedules

Learning opportunities

401(k) matching

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking a post-doctoral researcher specializing in geo-energy resources and critical minerals. The role involves collaboration on subsurface systems while leveraging advanced data analytics and machine learning.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in relevant STEM fields and expertise in subsurface energy systems. An interdisciplinary approach in a diverse team environment is essential. Candidates should be prepared to publish and present at major conferences.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in subsurface energy systems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present findings at conferences.

Skills

Subsurface energy systems

Reservoir engineering

Data-driven approaches

Applied machine learning

Geospatial analysis

Education

Ph.D. in related STEM field

Job description

What You Will Do

Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions! The Energy Systems and Infrastructure Security (ENSIS) team in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an intellectually curious post-doctoral researcher in geo-energy resources and critical minerals. The successful candidate will work on an interdisciplinary team focused on integrated subsurface systems, combining geo-energy resources, critical mineral exploration, and geospatial analysis. The research will leverage advanced data analytics, applied machine learning, and techno-economic analysis to improve resource characterization, reduce uncertainty, and identify sustainable and economically viable development strategies.

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory employs scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and students with expertise across a wide range of Earth science disciplines. The successful candidate will join the interdisciplinary Energy and Natural Resources Security Group, a collaborative team working on strategic national and global challenges related to subsurface energy and environmental security. Our work spans energy production, resource sustainability, environmental stewardship, and subsurface systems, with active collaborations across industry, academia, and national laboratories.

The successful applicant will have a background in subsurface systems and multiscale modeling, with interest or expertise in integrating geoscience with data-driven approaches. Experience in applied machine learning, data science, or techno-economic analysis (TEA) applied to energy or mineral systems is desirable. The position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. The successful applicant will be expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in subsurface energy systems and reservoir engineering
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative research
• Strong written and oral communication skills, supported by peer-reviewed publications and presentations
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with reservoir simulation and/or molecular modeling
• Experience with applied machine learning or data-driven modeling
• Experience with techno-economic analysis (TEA) or decision-support modeling
• Experience with geospatial analysis, or remote sensing
• Interest in system-level geo-energy and critical mineral infrastructure modeling

Education / Experience

A Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related STEM field. For postdoctoral appointment the candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements within the last five years or by the commencement of the appointment.

Work Environment

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Salary and Appointment

Salary Range: $99,500-$109,911 based on experience. Postdoc appointments are for two years, and in some cases a third-year extension may be considered. Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience. Outstanding candidates may be eligible for a LANL Director's Fellowship or a Distinguished Fellowship (see http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career- options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/postdoc-appointment-types.php).

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Legal Information

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process.