Postdoctoral Researcher: Geothermal Fluids & High-Temp

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to design, formulate, and experimentally validate densified working fluids for superhot geothermal systems. The role emphasizes hands-on formulation, high-temperature/high-pressure testing, and collaboration with geochemistry, geomechanics, modeling, AI/ML groups.

The candidate will work at LANL in Los Alamos, NM, participating in a program for advanced geothermal energy with a two-year term and potential

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, geochemistry, materials science, applied physics, or related field with fluid thermodynamics and rheology experience.
• Hands-on experience formulating/characterizing complex fluids (brines, slurries, colloids, emulsions).
• Experience with pressurized/high-temp systems and with analytical instrumentation for fluids.
• Strong publication record and ability to communicate results effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design, formulate, and validate densified fluids for superhot geothermal systems.
• Assess density, rheology, phase behavior, pumpability, and compatibility with rocks/materials.
• Coordinate with geochemistry, geomechanics, modeling, and AI/ML screening teams; publish results.

Skills

Fluid formulation

Rheology measurements

Data analysis (Python/MATLAB)

Experiment design

Communication

Collaborative work

Education

PhD in chemistry/geochemistry/materials science/engineering

Tools

High-pressure rheometers

Autoclaves

Raman spectroscopy

ICP-MS/OES

XRD

SEM

Job description

Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to design, formulate, and experimentally validate densified working fluids for superhot geothermal systems. The role emphasizes hands-on formulation, high-temperature/high-pressure testing, and collaboration with geochemistry, geomechanics, modeling, AI/ML groups.

The candidate will work at LANL in Los Alamos, NM, participating in a program for advanced geothermal energy with a two-year term and potential