A research position in multi-physics modeling of geothermal fields is available in the Department of Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, starting as soon as possible. The position is a full-time appointment as a Research Associate for up to 21 months. The successful applicant will contribute to the WHOLESCALE project described below.
The successful candidate will:
• Enable carbon-neutral energy by conducting original and independent research on geomechanics, fluid/heat flow in porous and fractured media, induced seismicity, and geophysics using high-performance computing codes.
• Analyze and interpret data from geophysical monitoring, laboratory testing, field experiments, physics-based simulations, and geodetic data.
• Develop and/or apply state-of-the-art reservoir simulations.
• Have access to computational resources at the UW Center for High-Throughput Computing (CHTC).
• Publish technical reports and peer-reviewed publications summarizing research findings.
• Present results at review meetings and scientific conferences.
This position requires experience with numerical modeling using the finite element method (e.g., Comsol, Ansys, or Abaqus). Additional required qualifications include:
• Ph.D., and/or M.S. with experience in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, or associated engineering/science field.
• Interdisciplinary experience in one or more of the following areas: geomechanics, geothermal energy, reservoir engineering, induced seismicity, and/or microseismic analysis
• Experience developing software with Python, C/C++, R, Matlab, or similar language.
• Experience with data analysis, numerical modeling, and uncertainty quantification.
• Experience producing reports and peer-reviewed publications.
The WHOLESCALE acronym stands for Water & Hole Observations Leverage Effective Stress Calculations and Lessen Expenses. The goal of the WHOLESCALE project is to simulate the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of stress in the geothermal system at San Emidio in Nevada, United States. More details are available here.
Applicants should submit a resume, statement of research interests, and experience in relation to the WHOLESCALE project, a possible start date, and names and email addresses of three references via email to feigl@wisc.edu, including “WHOLESCALE position” in the subject line. Screening of applications will begin as they are received; the position will remain open until filled. Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, information regarding the names of applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality.