Contaminant Fate and Transport Modeling Postdoc Research Associate

Job Description
The Nuclear Detection and Actinide Sciences Group at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research in environmental engineering, with a focus on contaminant fate and transport in complex environmental systems. The successful candidate will leverage advanced modeling techniques to understand and predict the behavior of various contaminants, supporting remediation strategies and environmental risk assessment, particularly within the context of national security and environmental challenges relevant to SRNL's mission.

• Develop, refine, and apply numerical models to simulate contaminant fate and transport, particularly in porous media and groundwater systems relevant to SRNL sites.
• Design and execute laboratory or field‑scale experiments to generate data for model validation and parameterization.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify key environmental processes influencing contaminant behavior.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers on ongoing research projects at SRNL.
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and reports for internal and external funding opportunities.
• Mentor junior researchers and students as appropriate.

• Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong theoretical and practical background in contaminant fate and transport processes.
• Proficiency in mathematical modeling and numerical methods for solving differential equations.
• Demonstrated experience with modeling software (e.g., MATLAB, COMSOL, MODFLOW, PHREEQC, or similar).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A strong publication record in relevant scientific journals.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance for which U.S. citizenship is legally required.

• Extensive experience in developing and applying models for advection‑dispersion‑reaction (ADR) processes.
• Proficiency in the use of MATLAB for implementing mathematical models and optimizing parameters, as well as data analysis and visualization.
• Experience with multi‑phase flow and reactive transport modeling.
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques (e.g., GC‑MS/MS, HPLC) for contaminant analysis.
• Background in working with hazardous substance data and environmental remediation technologies.
• Experience with Department of Energy (DOE) specific environmental challenges or nuclear materials.

"We put science to work!"

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi‑program laboratory applying state‑of‑the‑art science and practical, high‑value, cost‑effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation’s environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

• 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‑Contributory 1X salary (company paid).
• AD&D Non‑Contributory 1x salary (company paid).
• Savings & Investment plan:
  • Qualified Non‑Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting.
  • Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (5‑yr 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.
• Competitive relocation package to ease the transition process; domestic and international assistance available for certain positions.

BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA is 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.

Please email us  with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.