Post-Doctoral Position
Sandia National Laboratories
Carlsbad, NM

Groundwater Hydrologist/Modeler

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) deep geologic repository for defense-related transuranic (TRU) and mixed waste.  WIPP is the world's only licensed and operating deep geologic repository for the disposal of TRU waste.  The repository is located in a Permian bedded-salt formation 26 miles east of Carlsbad, NM.  WIPP is operated by Washington TRU Solutions, under contract to the Department of Energy's Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO).  Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is the scientific advisor to the CBFO for the WIPP.  Sandia's advisory responsibilities include investigations and monitoring of repository performance, long-term, probabilistic performance assessment (PA) of the repository with respect to regulatory requirements, impact assessments of modifications to the repository design and waste inventory, periodic recertification of the WIPP, and optimization of the national transuranic waste complex.

The Repository Performance Department (06712), part of Sandia's Carlsbad Programs Group (CPG), maintains experimental, modeling, and hydrologic monitoring capabilities to support the DOE in assuring uninterrupted compliance of the WIPP with a variety of federal and state regulations.  The selected individual will conduct groundwater flow and transport simulations in support of WIPP, and may also participate in hydraulic well testing and well-test analysis.  Tasks will include development and implementation of appropriate conceptual models, selection and modification of appropriate numerical simulation codes, conducting simulations, and presentation of results to internal and external customers.  The position is in Carlsbad, NM.  Frequent travel to Albuquerque is expected.  The selected individual may also participate in other DOE projects and water-related projects for other clients. 

REQUIRED:

A PhD or equivalent degree in geohydrology, applied mathematics, or engineering with experience in mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of groundwater flow and transport phenomena.  Experience must include development of conceptual and numerical models, model calibration, pre- and post-processing of data, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.  Demonstrated excellence in the technical field as well as superior oral and written communication skills are mandatory, as is the ability to function effectively within a diverse team.  Residence in Carlsbad, NM is mandatory. 

DESIRED:
 
Proficiency using UNIX, VMS, and Microsoft Windows operating systems; programming in Fortran and C++; expertise with modeling very low-porosity and low-permeability media and/or fractured media; experience in coupling between hydrological, geochemical, and geomechanical processes; expertise in parameter estimation, geostatistics and uncertainty analysis; experience in conducting technical programs within a regulatory environment; site characterization and/or laboratory experimentation for derivation of model parameters.  Experience with stringent QA/QC requirements, such as those associated with the WIPP or Yucca Mountain projects, is highly desirable.  Familiarity with modern methods of well-test analysis (e.g., pressure derivatives) is also desirable.

U.S. citizenship is not required.

Contact:          Dr. Christi Leigh  
                        Sandia National Laboratories  
                        4100 National Parks Highway  
                        Carlsbad, NM  88220  
                        cdleigh@sandia.gov  
                        505-845-0407