The Energy Geosciences Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has an opportunity for a Career-Track Research Scientist with expertise in modeling of coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in fractured geological media. The successful candidate will develop novel and innovative numerical methods for coupled THMC processes in fractured geological media to understand the material behavior at the microscale and for adaptive control in energy geoscience applications (nuclear waste disposal, geothermal exploitation, hydrocarbon recovery) at larger scales. The candidate should have expertise in model development of coupled THM processes in both continua and discontinua with dynamic, nonlinear features. The candidate will work closely with groups at Berkeley Lab to advance cross-disciplinary, multi-physics analyses of fractured media at multiple scales.

What You Will Do:

• Develop novel and innovative numerical method(s) and models that can be used for analyzing microscale fracture behavior governed by thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical (THMC) coupling;

• Develop completely new numerical method(s) that can be fully coupled to existing software (e.g., the TOUGH family codes) for continuous-discontinuous mechanical analysis;

• Develop novel numerical method(s) that can be used for analyzing coupled THMC processes (including induced seismicity) in fractured networks, with applications to energy geosciences, such as geothermal and nuclear waste disposal;

• Develop novel numerical method(s) for thermal, hydraulic or geochemical induced fracture initiation, growth and evolution for application to geothermal exploitation and hydrocarbon recovery projects;

• Explore new directions of fracturing by numerical experiments under combined THMC factors;

• Explore, establish and pioneer new theories, numerical methods, and new research directions through comprehensive, multiscale studies of fractured media under coupled THMC conditions;

• Collaborate with experimental rock mechanicists, geophysicists, and geochemists for the purpose of understanding the multiscale behavior of fractures under coupled THMC conditions;

• Develop proposals for external funding;

• Write peer-review journal articles and technical reports.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Model and analyze nonlinear flow ranging from microscale Navier-Stokes flow in fractures to large-scale moving-interface surface flow in watersheds or multi-phase, multi-component subsurface flow in underground energy geoscience applications;

• Improve our understanding of the role of geomechanics in the Critical Zone through theoretical and numerical analysis.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering, petroleum engineering or equivalent discipline, or equivalent work experience.

• Postdoctoral experience (over 2 years preferred).

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• International research exposure preferred.

• Expertise in novel model development for coupled THM processes in continua and discontinua with dynamic, nonlinear features;

• Familiarity with computer languages: C/C++, and/or C#, FORTRAN;

• Experience in analyzing coupled THMC behavior in energy geosciences projects such as nuclear waste disposal, CO2 sequestration;

• Demonstration of creativity, exceptional ability, and proven accomplishments in THMC modeling;

• Ability to establish new research directions and to lead/develop proposals;

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with a multidisciplinary group of scientists;

• Good verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and for writing peer-reviewed journal publications and technical reports.

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on September 28, 2018.

Notes:

• This is a full time, 1 year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.

• Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• Salary is commensurate with experience.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."