OverviewPNNL'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.ResponsibilitiesThe Subsurface Fate and Transport Modeling Team within the Environmental Subsurface Science Group is seeking applications for an Intern position using state of the art simulation tools to model subsurface processes. Successful applicants will build multiphase reactive transport models within the open source PFLOTRAN simulator through laboratory and federally funded research programs. They will collaborate with researchers employing PFLOTRAN to simulate CO2 sequestration in gas hydrate systems to identify the characteristics that would be important for permanently storing CO2 in a subsurface gas hydrate system.Through their research, the intern will develop an internal and external network of collaborators. The intern is expected demonstrate commitment to data quality and accuracy, strong written and oral communication skills, and be able to work independently and in a team setting. The applicant must demonstrate a strong ethic of service to the scientific community and a commitment to both scientific excellence and national impact on developing transformative science and technology solutions relevant to our nation’s energy security and prosperity. Finally, the position requires that the associate complies with PNNL policies regarding environmental health and safety, waste management, and protection of intellectual property.The position is available for Summer 2024.QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience analyzing gas hydrate systems
Experience modeling CO2 sequestration
Experience simulating groundwater flow, reactive transport, or multiphase flow within the Earth’s subsurface
Experience applying numerical methods to develop simulation tools
Proficiency with object-oriented programming using modern Fortran or C/C and Python scripting (e.g. H5py, Matplotlib, NumPy, pandas, SciPy)
Experience developing and running PFLOTRAN
Experience developing or working with open source software using continuous integration (distributed version control, automated testing, etc.)
Candidates must be pursuing a PhD in computational science, engineering, geosciences, applied mathematics, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.Additional InformationNot Applicable.Testing Designated PositionNot a Testing Designated Position.About PNNLPacific 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 OpportunityOur 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 WorkplacePNNL 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.HSPD-12 PIV Credential RequirementIn 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-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.Rockstar RewardsRegular Hourly:Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.Temporary Hourly:Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)
