The Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS) of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct research in its Reno, NV 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 (dfnWorks - https://dfnworks.lanl.gov/) 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. from an accredited institution within the last five years in a STEM field or completion of all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.

· Knowledge of the physics of flow and transport in porous media.

· Strong quantitative skills and ability to learn and apply simulation models for flow and transport in fractured media.

· Field and/or laboratory experience in acquisition and use of hydrologic flow measurements.

· Excellent English-language communication skills (oral and written).

· Demonstrated ability to perform research and publish results in peer-reviewed literature.

Preferred Qualifications

Greater consideration will be given to those who possess the following skills and attributes:

· Ability to conduct and analyze laboratory experiments in fractured media models.

· Experience with scientific software development in C/C++, FORTRAN and/or Python.

· Experience in methods for big data analytics.

· Experience in writing successful grant applications.

Conditions of Employment

· Some travel expected for meetings, workshops, and conferences. 

Salary / Benefits

Minimum annual starting salary is $60,000 and is commensurate with experience and education. DRI offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 6.2% retirement match, 15 annual leave days, a beginning balance of 15 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the option to participate in a flexible spending account or health savings account. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance. A summary of postdoc benefits can be found HERE. Additional information can be found at www.dri.edu/careers.

Application / Review Process

Qualified individuals interested in this position must apply through Workday and upload the required documents below in the specified sections of the application.

· Cover letter detailing how you meet DRI’s listed educational and experience qualifications.

· Summary of your career interests and goals.

· Current resume or CV.

· Names and contact information for three professional references.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions should be addressed to Dr. Sean McKenna (Sean.McKenna@dri.edu) Dr. Rishi Parashar (Rishi.Parashar@dri.edu) or Dr. Dani Or (Dani.Or@dri.edu). To learn more about DRI, visit us at www.dri.edu or call the recruitment office at 775-673-7431.