Computational Geoscience Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Geoscience for the Department of Critical Minerals & Geothermal Energy in the Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate. This postdoctoral researcher will advance reactive transport and coupled thermal–hydraulic–mechanical–chemical (THMC) simulations emphasizing interactions among fluid flow, heat transfer, geochemical reactions, geomechanics, and evolving rock properties. Simulations will be developed using FALCON (Fracturing And Liquid CONvection) and MOOSE (Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment), or similar tools. Research will address geological hydrogen (geohydrogen) production, electrofracturing stimulation for critical mineral recovery, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), and carbon mineralization. Our team works a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop reactive transport models using FALCON/MOOSE or similar tools, coupling advection, diffusion, dispersion, aqueous speciation, and mineral dissolution and precipitation with thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical processes.
• Implement reaction kinetics and reactive surface area, porosity, permeability, and fracture–matrix exchange conditions; quantify species transport and elemental mass balances. Evaluate transport-limited versus reaction-limited behavior and represent mineralogical heterogeneity and evolving fluid chemistry across laboratory and reservoir scales.
• Model hydrogen generation through water–rock reactions, critical mineral mobilization and recovery, and carbon mineralization; evaluate how fluid chemistry and operating conditions influence reaction progress and recovery.
• Couple electrofracturing and electrohydraulic stimulation with reactive transport to assess fracture connectivity, fluid access, and mineral accessibility; simulate circulation and heat extraction in EGS.
• Verify numerical implementations, calibrate and validate models against laboratory or field observations, and assess convergence, parameter sensitivity, and uncertainty.
• Automate computational workflows, improve parallel performance, collaborate with experimental teams, publish findings, and contribute to research proposals.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers. The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Required:

• PhD in Geoscience, Geochemistry, Engineering, Materials Science, Computational Science, or a related discipline.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Hands-on multiphysics modeling experience using FALCON/MOOSE or similar tools, with understanding of porous-media flow and coupled THMC processes. Demonstrated ability to couple multiple physical processes and interpret chemical and hydrological feedback is essential.
• Foundation in finite-element methods and nonlinear numerical solution techniques, with experience in model verification or validation.
• Scientific programming in C++, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB, with ability to develop, adapt, and maintain numerical modeling components and automated simulation workflows.
• A developing peer-reviewed publication record, effective communication, and ability to conduct independent research within interdisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience with FALCON and MOOSE Porous Flow, Geochemistry, Solid Mechanics, or Phase Field capabilities, including coupling THMC processes.
• Experience with phase-field fracture, damage mechanics, constitutive model development, or fracture-dependent permeability, particularly for brittle geomaterials and hydraulic or electrically driven stimulation.
• Experience simulating reactive transport models, familiarity with thermodynamic databases, kinetic rate laws, and the influence of temperature and fluid composition on mineral reactivity is desirable.
• Experience with nonlinear solvers, Newton’s or quasi-Newton’s methods, sparse linear algebra, preconditioning, and parallel programming using the Message Passing Interface (MPI). Proficiency with Python scientific libraries; familiarity with COMSOL Multiphysics for complementary simulations and benchmarking.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend. 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 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

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 at ada@inl.gov to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.