Title:
Experimental Rock Mechanics, Subsurface Fluid Flow, and Well Integrity Postdoctoral Research Associate

Application Link:
LinkedIn Post: https://lnkd.in/g5RcXiKy
LANL Official Posting: https://lnkd.in/g5KZ-VSr

Please also email your materials to Dr. Meng Meng (mengm@lanl.gov)

Description:
What You Will Do

The Fractured Earth Laboratory in the Energy and Natural Resources Security (EES-16) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is excited to announce one opening for Postdoctoral Research Associates. Successful candidates will join a diverse team of scientists who are working to address critical earth science challenges related to energy, the environment, and national security. Specific research topics related to this opportunity include: (1) high pressure high temperature rock mechanics assembly design and operation; (2) cement and well integrity evaluation using acoustic tools under simulated geothermal conditions; and (3) Subsurface fluid flow across fractures.

As a member of our interdisciplinary team, which includes experts in rock mechanics, fluid flow, well integrity, geophysics, geochemistry, the candidate will be at the forefront of developing innovative experimental and modeling methodologies to support finding challenges in energy, the environment, and national security. Our facilities for this work include novel equipment such as our large customized high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) quad-pore triaxial system, HTHP microfluidic system, triaxial core-flood system with integrated X-ray, fiber optic system based on Fiber Brag gratings (FBGs), fiber optic system based on Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) for distributed strain and temperature sensing, HTHP cement curing vessels and calorimeters, HTHP rheometer, and Parr reactors. Our modeling tools include poro-elastic models, FEM, FDEM, and more.

Our top research goal is to assist with the global transition to zero-carbon energy. The successful candidate is expected to publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present their work at conferences. The position is for a two-year term, with the option to extend a third year based on performance and funding availability. Non-US citizens and US citizens are both welcome and encouraged to apply.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• PhD in a STEM field that included at least introductory study of mechanics of fluid and solid (or equivalents).
• Hands-on experience operating or designing laboratory equipment and/or high-pressure (>100 psi)
• Record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals (at least one lead-author article).
• Communication skills as evidenced by publications and oral presentations at conferences

Education/Experience: Candidates must have received a Ph.D. within the last five years in a STEM field, or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with high-temperature and/or high-pressure laboratory equipment
• Proficient in the testing equipment design and signal capturing techniques
• Familiarity with LabView Programing, SolidWorks, Abaqus, or other software
• Familiarity with fundamental concepts of thermo-chemo-mechanical properties of geomaterial materials, such as cement, concrete, and rock.
• Background in cementitious materials analytical measurements
• Background in poro-mechanics, plastic-deformation, or earth mechanics models
• Training, education, or working knowledge of signal processing methods
• Proficiency with computational data analysis (e.g., Python, R, or MatLab)

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Note to Applicants:

No applicant is expected to have all of the desired skills. Anyone who meets the minimum requirements is encouraged to apply. The application package consists of a CV and a one-page cover letter. Your cover letter should explicitly address how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired skills, if applicable. In addition to applying online, applicants may email their CV and cover letter to Dr. Meng Meng (mengm@lanl.gov).

Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director’s Fellowship or the J. Robert Oppenheimer, Richard P. Feynman, or Frederick Reines Fellowships. For general information about the application processes, LANL postdoc salary, and fellowships refer to the LANL Postdoc Program page. https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

We are also offering Post Master, Summer Intern, Graduate Research Assistant opportunities, if you are interested and fit this opportunity, please contact Dr. Meng Meng (mengm@lanl.gov).

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. 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 maternity 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.

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.

Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

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How to Apply: How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job’s details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.