Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Subsurface Hydrology and Energy Systems

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks outstanding postdoctoral candidates in computational subsurface hydrogeology. The CHESS Team develops high‑fidelity physics models for carbon storage, geothermal energy, and nuclear waste disposal, supporting national security through scientific innovation.

You will contribute to research on DFN modeling, THMC processes, and machine learning, collaborating across disciplines to publish in peer‑reviewed journals and advance subsurface energy science.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Hydrology, Applied Mathematics, Computational Physics, Geological Engineering, or related field.
• PhD completion by commencement of appointment within 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Research at intersection of subsurface flow, transport, reactive geochemistry, and ML.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to advance subsurface energy science.

Skills

Subsurface flow modeling

Mathematical analysis

Programming proficiency

HPC practices

Peer‑reviewed publication potential

English communication

Education

PhD in related field

Tools

dfnWorks

FEHM

Fortran

C++

Python

Julia

Git

CI

MPI

GPUs

ParaView/VisIt

Job description

What You Will Do

Join a dynamic team of scientists tackling some of the most pressing energy and environmental challenges of our time. The Computational Hydrogeology and Energy Systems in the Subsurface (CHESS) Team within the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates in computational subsurface hydrogeology. The CHESS team develops and applies high-fidelity computational physics models to advance scientific understanding of subsurface systems with applications to carbon storage, geothermal energy, and nuclear waste disposal -work that directly supports the Laboratory's mission of solving national security challenges through cutting-edge scientific innovation.

You will contribute to research at the intersection of subsurface flow and transport modeling, reactive geochemistry, and machine learning. Specific research directions may include:

• Discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling using the dfnWorks software platform
• Coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) process simulation
• Single- and multiphase flow in fractured and porous media using FEHM
• Carbon mineralization and reactive transport in subsurface systems
• Application of machine learning and foundation models to subsurface energy systems

You will publish results in peer-reviewed journals, present work at national and international conferences, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary, integrated research team -helping shape the future of subsurface energy science along the way..

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Computational subsurface flow and transport modeling
• Applied mathematics and numerical analysis or computational science
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages, such as Fortran, C++, Python, or Julia
• Code development experience using modern software engineering practices in research or HPC environments (git and continuous integration)
• Demonstrated potential for peer-reviewed publication
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, demonstrated through the ability to clearly convey complex technical information

Desired Qualifications:

• LocateNumerical simulation of coupled THMC processes
• Experience with discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling
• Computational geochemistry
• Upscaled transport modeling (reactive and non-reactive)
• High-performance computing (MPI, parallel workflows, and/or GPUs)
• Uncertainty quantification methods
• Machine learning applied to geoscience or subsurface systems
• Data and model visualization using tools such as ParaView, VisIt, or EarthVision
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance

Education

A Ph.D. in Computational Hydrology, Applied Mathematics, Computational Physics, Geological Engineering, or a related field is required. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within 5 years of Ph.D. completion.

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.

Compensation and Appointment

Initial postdoctoral appointments are for two years and are renewable for a third year. Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience. Outstanding candidates may be eligible for a LANL Director's Fellowship, or one of the prestigious named fellowships: Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines.

Where You Will Work

Located in the mountains of northern New Mexico near Santa Fe, Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division conducts world-leading research on subsurface systems, climate, and environmental processes. The CHESS team offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment with access to world-class computational resources, including leadership-class supercomputing facilities. Our generous benefits package includes:

• 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 Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test:

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants:

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.