at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Springfield, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Overview
PNNL’s Earth System Science Division enables energy independence and national security through leadership in earth systems science, engineering, and decision analytics. Our work focuses on solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system. Our interdisciplinary scientists steward a breadth of efforts that encompass research on plants to groundwater science and coastal zones, to storm prediction.
Our research focuses on understanding and mitigating operational risks at the interface of human and natural environments. This includes predicting the impacts of natural hazards and extreme climate events on Earth and human systems, along with the impacts of wildfire, flooding, sea level rise and storm surges. We focus on understanding and mitigating environmental contamination and increasing the resiliency, security and sustainability of water resources. We provide geointelligence through advanced sensing and data analytics to forecast complex system behaviors and operational performance to understand human-natural systems. This includes informed decision making and enhanced community resilience, advanced monitoring, and remote sensing of environmental systems for energy and national security. It also includes developing energy systems, including geothermal energy, sustainable oil and gas production, storage and utilization, along with carbon sequestration.
Driven by a “science-to-solutions” philosophy, we provide scientific leadership and technology to enhance national security, mitigate natural hazards and optimize disaster response. In the critical areas of energy, environment, intelligence, and defense, we deliver insights and decision support through the development of tools and solutions.
Responsibilities
PNNL’s Earth System Science Division enables energy independence and national security through leadership in earth systems science, engineering, and decision analytics. Our work focuses on solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system. Our interdisciplinary scientists steward a breadth of efforts that encompass research on plants to groundwater science and coastal zones, to storm prediction.
As a scientist in the Earth Systems Science Group, you will join a talented, multi-investigator team to investigate subsurface process associated with carbon management.
The Ideal Candidate:
If you are ready to advance your talents and training in earth science/geochemistry as a scientist at a national laboratory widely recognized for its work in the physical sciences, we want to connect with you. The ideal applicant has an interest in advancing quantitative geologic approaches and applying them to complex problems. Details are below; you do not need to meet all the preferred qualifications to be considered.
What you will do:
+ Lead software development, design and implementation of scientific visualization tools, dashboard analytics and dynamic user interfaces for various subsurface science applications.
+ Develop data-driven optimization algorithms and decision support tools for use in subsurface monitoring and carbon storage site management.
+ Develop, implement and train predictive and generative models (e.g., regression, time series forecasting, neural networks, large language models).
+ Incorporate geospatial techniques and datasets into uncertainty quantification and decision support tools.
+ Lead manuscript development and maintain a strong overall publication record in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
+ Interact, communicate, and problem solve with a diverse team of research staff across PNNL.
+ Contribute as a team member to support publications and reports led by other scientists.
+ Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings
+ Participate in the development of research proposals.
+ PNNL is committed to diversity and inclusion; applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
+ BS/BA or higher
Preferred Qualifications:
+ Strong verbal and written communications skills, including workshops, conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
+ Fluency in one or more programming and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Julia, Java, R).
+ Familiarity with object-oriented design and software development processes (e.g., version control, QA/QC, unit testing).
+ Experience with GUI/dashboard development.
+ Experience with development of geologic and numerical reservoir models for carbon sequestration projects.
+ Experience working with geospatial data, geostatistics.
+ Experience working with time series data.
+ Experience designing/implementing optimization algorithms.
+ Familiarity with United States Class VI CO2 injection well permitting and EPA regulatory requirements.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable.
Additional Information
Not Applicable.
Testing Designated Position
Not a Testing Designated Position.
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD
