This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/11842675 Associate Research Scientist, Engineering

Illinois State Geological Survey

Prairie Research Institute

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public, government, and industry with earth science information and research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. ISGS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/

ISGS is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist, Engineering to develop and review engineering designs and models of geothermal systems. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Serve as the lead engineer and discipline expert on multi-scale geothermal projects from single buildings to large district-scale systems.

Act as the technical specialist competent in the design and analysis of geothermal bore fields and geothermal ground modeling simulations within a multi-disciplined engineering and construction environment.

Oversee the planning and completion of subsurface investigations for geothermal projects involving field and laboratory activities, including geothermal borehole in-situ testing.

Manage multi-disciplinary project teams that may include researchers, private subcontractors, and stakeholders.

Identify relevant research needs in the geothermal discipline and pursue new research opportunities.

Pursue externally funded research projects by preparing and writing contract and grant proposals.

Serve as principal investigator, co-principal investigators, and senior personnel on geothermal research and development projects.

Write geothermal engineering reports, including technical drawings and design specifications, and scholarly research papers.

Mentor early career engineering and geoscience professionals, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

Respond to requests for technical information and provide professional expertise to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the public.

Attend, participate in, and contribute to meetings, conferences, and workshops.

Contribute to the areas of education, outreach, and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.

Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international level.

Keep abreast of developments in the geothermal discipline.

Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in geothermal engineering, geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, or related engineering discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on experience as it relates to this position. At least five years\' professional experience. Expert knowledge of energy modeling for buildings and thermal energy networks (e.g., TRNSYS and DOE codes). Experience developing numerical simulations and computer codes (e.g., Python) including the use of high-performance computing (HPC). Experience in engineering report writing and preparing contract proposals and documents. Experience utilizing and developing databases. Valid driver\'s license. Preferred Qualifications: Expert knowledge of groundwater flow models (e.g., DOE codes, MODFLOW, or FEFLOW). Experience developing Building Heating and Cooling Load Modeling and Life Cycle Cost Analysis to support design development and alternatives analysis. Expert knowledge of borehole heat exc anger and geothermal design, modeling, and simulation software (e.g., GLD, GHLEPro, COMSUL, Modelica, and DOE codes). Certified Geothermal Designer and Licensed or immediately eligible for licensure (within 6 months of employment).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to effectively manage research as a principal investigator and supervise and mentor associated personnel. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and varying priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail and sound judgment. Has excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team setting with scientists, engineers, and staff at the University of Illinois, state and federal government agencies, other academic/research institutions, and industry. Proficiency in commonly used software as well as with GIS and data visualization/analysis.

Work Environment: The work of this position takes place primarily in an office setting with occasional work in a field setting. Travel is required to attend meetings and perform fieldwork including overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Position involves domestic and international travel. Fieldwork may be unde