Postdoctoral Researcher, Geothermal Flows Modeler

The Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS) of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a post-doctoral researcher to conduct research in its Reno facility on modeling foam transport in fractured rock to enhance geothermal field efficiency. The successful candidate will be expected to gain working knowledge and independently run discrete fracture network models and make necessary modifications to accommodate non-Newtonian behavior of foam under thermal gradients relevant to geothermal fields in the Western U.S. The candidate will be part of a team addressing resin chemistry and foaming characteristics, benchtop experiments in glass fractured models and translation of transport characteristics and parameters to large scale models. The candidate will assist with geothermal field scale alteration scenario generation, participate in data preparation and interpretation of modeling results towards generation of reports and scientific publications.  In addition to research duties, the candidate will have opportunities to participate in grant writing and proposal development. The research will be based primarily in Reno although personnel exchanges with collaborating laboratories in the U.S. are anticipated.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in hydrology, civil engineering, petroleum engineering, soil science, or related disciplines from an accredited institution.
  • Strong quantitative skills and ability to learn and apply simulation models for flow and transport in fractured porous media.
  • Experience in acquisition and use of geologic and hydrologic parameters and large data management skills.
  • Excellent English-language communication skills (oral and written).
  • Demonstrated ability to perform research and publish results in peer-reviewed literature.