Earth Scientist

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system;

and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

Studies the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and/or how these systems interact with human activities. Uses scientific principles, instrument measurements, computer models, data analysis, and knowledge of policy and regulatory drivers to study the environment and/or develop solutions to environmental problems. Leverages knowledge and tools from fields such as ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, geochemistry, soil science, geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, economics, and/or integrated assessment.

Potential project work in geothermal, carbon sequestration, and underground hydrogen storage. Modeling and data analysis in subsurface reservoirs, flow through porous media, and fracture networks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant geophysics experience
  -OR-
• MS/MA
  -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in geology, geophysics, modeling and data analysis or related field.
• Knowledge and/or direct experience in the areas of oil, gas, or geothermal reservoir management, geologic carbon storage, or contaminant fate and transport.
• Candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to data quality and accuracy, strong written and oral communication skills as evidenced by scientific publications and conference presentations, and be able to work independently and in a team setting.
• Strong knowledge in characterization and modeling of geologic reservoirs.
• Team lead or equivalent demonstrated leadership experience in leading small project tasks.
• Experience with uncertainty analysis.
• Experience in developing machine learning and advanced analytics.
• Candidates should have fluency in one or more programming languages (e.g., FORTRAN, C++, or Python) and experience with analysis and visualization tools (e.g., MATLAB, Tec Plot).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully across knowledge domains.
• Experience engaging with industry stakeholders.
• Active DOE/Q clearance

Not Applicable

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation…