Geochemist

Job Description

As part of Idaho National Laboratory’s legacy of innovation, you’ll drive cutting‑edge research that shapes the future of energy and national security by uncovering insights into our planet’s complex systems. Your work will directly support groundbreaking advancements in nuclear energy, infrastructure resilience, and space exploration, reinforcing INL’s role as America’s leading nuclear and technology lab. With each discovery, you’ll contribute to solutions that power nations, secure critical systems, and expand human knowledge.

Join a team of pioneers where your expertise fuels transformative progress for the country.

We are seeking a mid‑career geochemist to join our team in the Geothermal Energy and Subsurface Systems group. In this role you will be leading subsurface research programs focused on geothermal energy development, as well as critical minerals recovery and subsurface energy storage. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop research proposals and lead research programs. Excellent problem‑solving skills and a commitment to advancing subsurface science are essential for this role.

• Collaborate with and lead other researchers in subsurface research programs incorporating field, lab, and computational elements.
• Lead research teams in writing grant proposals in response to external funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with other researchers to develop and implement new experimental protocols and techniques.
• Publish research in peer‑reviewed scientific journals and present findings at conferences and workshops.

• Level 3: MS + 2 years of relevant experience or PhD + 2 years of relevant experience in geology/geochemistry/earth science or related field.
• Level 4: MS + 6 years of relevant experience or PhD + 4 years of relevant experience in geology/geochemistry/earth science or related field.
• Expertise employing geochemical modeling codes – e.g., Geochemists Workbench, TOUGH, MOOSE, etc.
• Experience leading research teams.
• Experience writing competitive research proposals.
• Good written communication skills in English as evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.

• Background in geothermal energy, subsurface energy storage.
• Hands‑on experience collecting rock/fluid/gas field samples.
• Experience designing and implementing field‑scale geoscience research projects.
• Strong publication record in high impact journals.
• Understanding of funding mechanisms across relevant DOE offices (HGEO, CMEI, ARPA‑E).

• May be required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or bend in an office, laboratory, or field environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to use a keyboard and mouse/trackball, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms.
• May require operation of laboratory and field equipment and driving a vehicle.
• May occasionally lift or move up to 45 pounds.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity required to perform essential functions and interact with the public.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The pay range for this position is Level 3 ($95,256 – $195,288) / Level 4 ($114,360 – $234,336). Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

• 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.

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

Our vision is to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure.

Idaho National Laboratory…