Job DescriptionThe Geophysics Senior Research Fellow will lead advanced research and field programs focused on the development, application, and interpretation of near-surface geophysical methods, with an emphasis on Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP). The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, cultivate cross-disciplinary collaborations, and contribute innovative approaches for subsurface characterization in support of environmental, hydrological, engineering, and energy-related research initiatives.
Impact of the Role:This position plays a critical role in advancing subsurface imaging technologies and enabling improved understanding of complex environmental and geologic processes. Research outcomes will directly support strategic priorities in environmental stewardship, legacy waste management, resource characterization, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Responsibilities- Lead original research that advances methodologies, data processing techniques, and interpretive frameworks for ERT and SIP.
- Design, plan, and execute field investigations leveraging multi-electrode resistivity and induced polarization systems.
- Develop and implement forward and inverse modeling workflows to quantify subsurface properties and improve uncertainty characterization.
- Integrate ERT/SIP data with complementary geoscience, hydrological, and environmental datasets to support multi-physics interpretation.
- Publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences.
- Provide mentorship to postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and technical staff working in geophysical methods.
- Engage with project sponsors, collaborators, and stakeholders to scope research needs, translate findings, and support decision-making.
- Contribute to the development of proposals and competitive research funding opportunities.
- Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of field operations, data management, and geophysical instrumentation maintenance.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications: - PhD in Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- 20+ years of experience in federal R&D, industry, and national laboratory settings, with a focus on near-surface geophysical methods, with an emphasis on Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP).
- Proven leadership in developing and managing large-scale, multidisciplinary research programs.
- Demonstrated success in securing external funding through DOE competitive calls, broad agency announcements, and federal-industry partnerships.
- For ability to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" security clearance, US Citizenship is Legally Required
- Extensive experience designing, conducting, and interpreting ERT and SIP surveys in research or applied settings.
- Demonstrated expertise in geophysical inversion, numerical modeling, and advanced data processing.
- Strong publication record showcasing contributions to near-surface or environmental geophysics.
- Proficiency with widely used geophysical software platforms and scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R).
- Demonstrated ability to lead research teams and collaborate across disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience applying ERT and SIP to environmental remediation, groundwater characterization, vadose-zone processes, or geotechnical investigations.
- Experience with 3D inversion, time-lapse monitoring, or multi-method geophysical integration.
- Familiarity with machine learning or data assimilation techniques applied to geophysical datasets.
- Track record of securing external research funding.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with government agencies, laboratories, or industry partners.
Some of the *Benefits offered to employees include:
*Benefits vary based upon employment status
- Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
- Short- & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
- Life Insurance Non-Contributary 1X salary (company paid)
- AD&D Non-contributary 1x salary (company paid)
- Savings & Investment plan:
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- Qualified Non-Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
- Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (5 yrs. vesting in company match)
- Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
- Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
- Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Plan
- SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the "About" tab at www.srnl.doe.gov.
