Postdoc: Computational Fault Mechanics & Geomechanics

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement program

Flexible schedules

401(k)

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance computational fault mechanics, earthquake physics, and geomechanics. You will build numerical models for fault slip and multi-physics processes, using HPC techniques within a multidisciplinary team to improve seismic hazard understanding and subsurface energy applications.

The role is part of the Atmospheric, Earth, and Energy Division, with opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in geophysics, geomechanics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computational science, or a related field.
• Experience with numerical discretization methods for partial differential equations.
• Experience in computational modeling of geomechanical systems.
• Knowledge of continuum mechanics, friction laws, and nonlinear material behavior.
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming language.
• Experience working in Linux-based high-performance computing environments.
• Record of publishing peer-reviewed research.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and apply computational models of fault mechanics and geologic deformation.
• Conduct simulations of quasi-static or quasi-dynamic rupture, fault slip, and related multi-physics processes.
• Analyze numerical simulation results alongside laboratory, field, and observational geophysical data.
• Contribute to model verification, validation, and comparison with observations.
• Use high-performance computing resources and modern scientific software practices.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and external research partners.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences and technical meetings.
• Pursue complementary independent research interests that support project objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

C/C++

PDE discretization

HPC

Geomechanics

Linux

Scientific writing

collaboration

communication

Python/fortran

Education

Ph.D. in geophysics/geomechanics/civil/mechanical/applied math/computational science

Tools

GEOS multiphysics modeling framework

Job description

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance computational fault mechanics, earthquake physics, and geomechanics. You will build numerical models for fault slip and multi-physics processes, using HPC techniques within a multidisciplinary team to improve seismic hazard understanding and subsurface energy applications.

The role is part of the Atmospheric, Earth, and Energy Division, with opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at