The Geophysics and Atmospheric Science Department’s staff investigates R&D problems in all areas of Sandia programs: Defense, security, energy, climate, and infrastructure. Areas of expertise include seismic and electromagnetic signal processing, development of borehole tools for subsurface exploration and monitoring, atmospheric monitoring, and geological investigations. Technical activities cover the spectrum from theory to application, including algorithm development, computer modeling, data inversion, instrumentation development, and field demonstration. The department serves as a laboratories resource for geophysical and atmospheric sensing expertise.

Sandia National Laboratories has a research and development position available for a Postdoctoral Appointee for the Geophysics and Atmospheric Science Department.  This position is in seismic and/or EM modeling, imaging, and inversion.  The Department currently has several projects utilizing high-resolution 3D forward modeling techniques for acoustic, elastic, anelastic, and poroelastic media.  Models are used to analyze field and laboratory data and examine geophysical phenomena associated with near-surface environments (<100 m), as well as deeper hydrocarbon and carbon sequestration reservoirs.  Unique opportunities exist to enhance existing codes that include improving algorithmic efficiency and execution speed, improving absorbing boundary conditions, and enhancing modeling of the physics of shallow subsurface materials.  Application of these improvements to datasets from complex earth or atmospheric environments will enable validation of the codes, as well as the advancement of basic geophysical understanding of these environments. We seek individuals with high levels of self-motivation and initiative.

A PhD in Geophysics, or closely related field is required.  A fundamental understanding of, and experience with, complex wave propagation within heterogeneous materials, and a strong mathematical and scientific computer programming skills is also required.

Familiarity with 3D seismic and/or EM modeling and parallel processing experience in a Unix/Linux environment is desired.  Prior work with wave propagation in the shallow subsurface or for hydrocarbon exploration is also desired. Good communication and writing skills.

To learn more about this position and apply online, please visit us at http://www.sandia.gov/careers/search-openings.html, click Advanced Search and reference Job Opening ID Number:  641119.

U.S. Citizenship Normally Required.  Equal Opportunity Employer.  M/F/D/V.