Predictive modeling for contaminant transport
Graduate Fellowship
The mission of the Department of Energy, Office of Environmental Management’s (DOE-EM) University Programs creates and supports a sustainable career pathway that prepares a workforce of talented students to make immediate and significant contributions to DOE-EM. To achieve this mission, EM University Programs develop strategic partnerships between colleges and universities, investing in student enrichment programs, curriculum development, research efforts, and internship and post-graduate opportunities.
The Graduate Fellow will receive training in targeted technical areas outlined in various DOE-EM scope job responsibilities. The 13-month salaried fellowship will offer specialized training, leadership and professional development. Completion of this fellowship will provide hands-on and field experiences that may lead to potential career opportunities within the DOE workforce complex.
Position Summary:
The Graduate fellow will support the following objectives daily: The project focuses on applying advanced machine learning (ML), geochemical modeling, and computational chemistry techniques to predict contaminant migration and transformation in complex subsurface environments. The student will use ML and physics-based models to integrate hydrogeologic, geochemical, and environmental datasets, enabling predictions of contaminant plume evolution, reaction pathways, and interactions with mineral surfaces. The work will combine data-driven methods with reactive transport and geochemical simulations to improve predictive accuracy and support decision-making for remediation planning and groundwater protection.
Minimum Qualifications:
- The successful candidate must be a US Citizen
- Must have graduated from or enrolled in an MSI
- Must be eligible for security clearance based on position requirements
- Enrolled in a graduate or have graduated at the time of application and have a current cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Desired Skills: Machine learning and data assimilation for environmental and chemical systems, Geochemical and reactive transport modeling (e.g., PHREEQC, TOUGHREACT, PFLOTRAN), Computational chemistry or molecular modeling of contaminant–mineral interactions, Hydrogeologic data analysis and visualization, Python or MATLAB programming for scientific computing
Security Clearance Information
This position will require selected candidates to be able to obtain a DOE Security Clearance.
