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Salary: $99,200.00 Per Year (Step 01) to $128,956.00 Per Year (Step 10).
NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies in the advertised office or other U.S. Geological Survey offices in the local commuting area.
09/20/2024 to 11/01/2024
$99,200 - $128,956 per year
GS 12
Few vacancies in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
No
Term - 2 years
Full-time
Excepted
12
No
No
USGS-RES-24-12533625-MH-SA
810333700
Open to all qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements of the Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. Because this fellowship is a U.S. Government position, preference must be given to U.S. citizens. Citizens of other nations may be considered under certain circumstances, i.e., when there are no qualified U.S. citizen applicants available. In those instances, the USGS may consider making an offer to a non-citizen provided applicable laws and regulations are followed.
Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Research Opportunity #: 23-05. Modeling of subsurface multiphase fluid flow for the energy transition
We are seeking a Mendenhall fellow to develop methods for simulating multiphase fluid flow during geologic storage of anthropogenic carbon dioxide as well as for geologic energy storage options. A successful candidate will develop novel models to aid in assessing potential subsurface storage resources to help evaluate ways to meet U.S. energy transition goals.
Research Opportunity Description: In 2013, the USGS produced an assessment of carbon dioxide storage resources throughout the United States [1]. This assessment was a static assessment, which did not account for injection rates, number and configuration of injection wells, pressure increase, or existing pressure of the storage formations. Over the past several years, the USGS has begun to work on multiphase fluid flow modeling to account for these parameters and to build a methodology for a dynamic carbon dioxide storage assessment. Several papers [2-4] cover this effort, the latest of which used the modeling software iTOUGH2 [5]. However, we need a model that will work in the newer version, TOUGH3 [6], and one that is flexible enough to allow for assessing not just carbon dioxide injection, but also methane, hydrogen, methane-hydrogen blends, and potentially compressed air. These other storage options are part of current research to assess the energy storage capability in the subsurface [7]. We would like to be able to use a similar model to assess using the same formation for both carbon and energy storage, as well as to evaluate and compare the relative storage potential of different fluids in the same formation.
There are several paths forward with the research after creating such a malleable model, but two potential areas of interest include probabilistic functionality and/or machine learning evaluations of the output to identify sweet spots for specific storage types. USGS resource assessments are typically probabilistic, which honors the natural heterogeneity of geology in the subsurface. Creating a multiphase fluid flow model that can produce outputs that represent the potential storage ranges throughout the subsurface could be done by performing multiple realizations with parameters chosen for inputs via Monte Carlo simulation. If machine learning can be incorporated into the model to help evaluate the sweet spots in the formation for optimizing energy storage versus carbon dioxide storage, that would be beneficial to land management stakeholders to determine the best usage of the pore space resources. The applicant is encouraged to add in these or other relevant concepts in how their model can be used to answer questions that are crucial to meeting national energy transition goals.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Research Advisor(s) early in the application process to discuss project ideas.
Proposed Duty Station: Reston, VA
Areas of Ph.D: Geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, carbon storage, or other related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).
Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Geologist, Research Hydrologist, Research Engineer, Research Computer Scientist, or Research Physical Scientist.
(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources Specialist.)
Physical/Environmental Demands: Work is usually performed in an office setting. The work area normally involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of offices or meeting and training rooms.
Key Requirements:
Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?
General Information
The Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with USGS scientists, often as a final element to their formal career preparation. The Program also provides: 1) research experiences that enhance the scientific stature and credentials of the Fellows; and 2) scientific expertise to assist in the implementation of the USGS Strategic Plan and the science strategy of its programs. Mendenhall Fellows are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must:
(1) have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the described Research Opportunity no earlier than September 20, 2019 (5 years before the announcement opening date); OR
(2) if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and must submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date;
(3) meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. The research proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity.
Start Date and Completion of PhD:
It is anticipated that this position will start no later than March 2026. The person selected must have all PhD requirements completed and MUST submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date. Exceptions may be made for a later start date on a case-by-case basis.
NOTICE TO NON-CITIZENS
Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. A Federal agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position, AND the non-citizen meets the appropriation act and immigration laws. Read the information provided in the following link. If a non-citizen does not meet the appropriation act and immigration laws, then they cannot be considered for this Mendenhall Opportunity. Please contact the person under Agency Contact Information for questions about eligibility and further assistance. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/.
Foreign Education. You must provide proof, if the foreign education determines your qualifications for the position. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if the applicant can show that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide such evidence when applying for Federal jobs. If selected, you will be required to provide official proof that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .
You must meet all eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Human Resources Office will provide the hiring official with application material for review and consideration. The Research Advisor and/or hiring official will review the application material and contact candidates for interviews as needed. A subject matter expert panel will be convened. If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer. For Research Opportunities with multiple duty stations, the selection of the official duty station will be made by the USGS.
Applicants must submit the following for each individual Research Opportunity for which they are applying.
Applications should be prepared as follows (preferably in PDF): 1) Research proposal ONLY; 2) Budget estimate; 3) Resumé or CV; 4) Educational transcripts; 5) List of literature references cited in the proposal, if applicable; and 6) supporting veterans documentation, if applicable.
Clicking on the "APPLY NOW" button in each Research Opportunity will take applicants to the USAJOBS application for that particular Opportunity. For technical assistance for submitting an application through USAJOBS, contact the HR Specialist listed as the Point of Contact listed in this announcement.
PDF conversion tools are readily available via the Internet. Some examples can be accessed at the following sites: http://www.ps2pdf.com/ http://www.pdf995.com/ Disclaimer: Hypertext links and other references to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, DOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functioning, completeness, or accuracy. In addition, documents that do not easily lend themselves to conversion may be faxed. Contact the appropriate Human Resources Office to make arrangements.
If a complete application package is not submitted, the applicant will not be considered for the position. Requests for deadline extensions will not be granted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the successful conveyance of the application package. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail upon receipt. Application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement. It is against the law to submit applications for employment using Government paid postage envelopes or mail services (18 USC 1719). Such application packages will not be considered. Application material will not be returned.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/810333700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.