Idaho National Laboratory

Energy Geoscientist

Idaho National Laboratory$114K — $281K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Masters or PhD in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, or related field with extensive experience in subsurface geoscience
  • 6+ years (Masters) or 4+ years (PhD) of relevant experience in geothermal, oil and gas, or critical minerals
  • Experience engaging with program sponsors including the DOE and industry
  • Leadership experience in multidisciplinary subsurface teams
  • Eligibility for Department of Energy 'Q' clearance requiring US citizenship

Responsibilities

  • Lead assessments of deep geothermal and energy-resource systems by integrating subsurface datasets
  • Develop and update three-dimensional geological and conceptual models
  • Conduct reservoir simulations and assess subsurface risks and uncertainties
  • Drive R&D strategies and secure funding for geothermal research
  • Publish technical reports and present findings to industry partners and conferences

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401(k) with employer contributions and matching
  • Paid personal leave
  • Employee Education Program with tuition assistance
  • Comprehensive Relocation Package
Full Job Description
Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring an energy geoscientist to lead integrated subsurface assessment and evaluation for enhanced geothermal systems and other energy applications. The position, housed within the Critical Minerals and Geothermal Energy Department, will work closely with geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, reservoir engineers, and computational scientists to characterize geologic systems; integrate geologic, geophysical, geochemical, well, and operational data, develop and maintain defensible three-dimensional earth and conceptual models and translate those models into reservoir simulations and resource-performance evaluations. The chosen scientist will lead multidisciplinary technical work, explicitly evaluate uncertainty and risk, build a thriving externally funded research portfolio, disseminate results through technical presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and technical reports, and work closely with industry partners to accelerate commercial deployment of enhanced geothermal systems.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Lead geologic assessment and characterization of deep geothermal and other energy-resource systems, including integration and interpretation of subsurface, well, and operational datasets.
  • Lead development and iterative updating of three-dimensional earth and conceptual models that capture stratigraphy, structure, lithology, alteration, natural fractures, stress, temperature, fluid flow, and key uncertainties.
  • Lead reservoir simulation, calibration, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, and technical evaluation of resource performance, development options, and subsurface risk.
  • Contribute to long-term R&D strategy for geothermal systems. Actively pursue and secure funding for future research efforts through proposals and industry partnerships.
  • Write peer-reviewed publications and technical reports and represent INL through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers at conferences and symposia.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications:
  • Level 4: Masters of Science degree in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, earth science, or a closely related field and 6+ years of relevant professional experience in subsurface geoscience for geothermal, oil and gas, carbon storage, critical minerals, or a related energy field or a PhD in a related field and 4+ years of related experience.
  • Level 5: Masters of Science degree in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, earth science, or a closely related field and 8+ years of relevant professional experience in subsurface geoscience for geothermal, oil and gas, carbon storage, critical minerals, or a related energy field or a PhD in a related field and 6+ years of related experience
  • Experience in engaging program sponsors at DOE, industry and other federal agencies.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary subsurface teams through the execution of large, multi-year technical research or field-development projects.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:
  • Ph.D. in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, earth science, or a closely related field.
  • Significant experience with reservoir simulation, model calibration, uncertainty analysis, and resource or project evaluation; familiarity with MOOSE or other multiphysics frameworks is a plus.
  • Experience at a DOE national laboratory, DOE, or experience in engaging with DOE.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ph.D. in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, earth science, or a closely related field.
  • Significant experience with reservoir simulation, model calibration, uncertainty analysis, and resource or project evaluation; familiarity with MOOSE or other multiphysics frameworks is a plus.
  • Experience at a DOE national laboratory, DOE, or experience in engaging with DOE.


While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. Field work includes working in remote locations within radioactive boundary areas (RBA), and overnight travel for extended field work. 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 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:
  • The pay range for this position is: Level 4 ($114,360 - - $234,336) / Level 5 ($137,076 - $281,196). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
  • Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
  • TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.


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.

About Idaho National Laboratory

Idaho National Laboratory (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. INL is operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, a partnership between Battelle, BWX Technologies, Inc., and Texas A&M University System. INL's work is focused on delivering solutions to some of the nation's most pressing challenges in energy, national security, science, and the environment. INL's research and development capabilities are organized into four primary areas: Nuclear Science and Technology, National and Homeland Security, Energy and Environment, and Biological Science and Engineering.
Learn more about Idaho National Laboratory
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