Associate Research Scientist, Engineering - Illinois State Geological Survey - 1023035-6689

University of Illinois - Champaign, IL

Full-time - Senior

Champaign, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is seeking an Associate Research Scientist in Engineering to lead and contribute to geothermal engineering projects. This position is integral to the development and review of engineering designs and models for geothermal systems, which are essential for sustainable energy solutions. The successful candidate will serve as the lead engineer and discipline expert on multi-scale geothermal projects, ranging from single buildings to large district-scale systems. This role requires a deep understanding of geothermal bore fields and ground modeling simulations, and the ability to operate within a multi-disciplinary engineering and construction environment. In this position, the Associate Research Scientist will oversee the planning and execution of subsurface investigations for geothermal projects, which includes both field and laboratory activities, such as geothermal borehole in-situ testing. The role also involves managing multi-disciplinary project teams that may include researchers, private subcontractors, and various stakeholders. The candidate will be responsible for identifying relevant research needs in the geothermal discipline and actively pursuing new research opportunities, including preparing and writing contract and grant proposals for externally funded research projects. As a principal investigator or co-principal investigator, the Associate Research Scientist will lead geothermal research and development projects, write comprehensive engineering reports, technical drawings, design specifications, and scholarly research papers. Mentorship of early career engineering and geoscience professionals, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, is also a key responsibility. The candidate will respond to technical information requests and provide expertise to government agencies, NGOs, academia, industry, and the public. Participation in meetings, conferences, and workshops is expected, along with contributions to education, outreach, and service to the Survey, the Prairie Research Institute (PRI), the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois. The role aims to enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at state, national, and international levels while keeping abreast of developments in the geothermal discipline.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead engineer and discipline expert on multi-scale geothermal projects.
• Act as the technical specialist in the design and analysis of geothermal bore fields and ground modeling simulations.
• Oversee the planning and completion of subsurface investigations for geothermal projects.
• Manage multi-disciplinary project teams including researchers, subcontractors, and stakeholders.
• Identify relevant research needs in the geothermal discipline and pursue new research opportunities.
• Prepare and write contract and grant proposals for externally funded research projects.
• Serve as principal investigator and senior personnel on geothermal research and development projects.
• Write geothermal engineering reports, technical drawings, and scholarly research papers.
• Mentor early career engineering and geoscience professionals.
• Respond to requests for technical information and provide expertise to various organizations.
• Attend and contribute to meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Contribute to education, outreach, and service to the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at various levels.
• 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.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in geothermal engineering, geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• At least five years of 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.
• Expert knowledge of borehole heat exchanger and geothermal design, modeling, and simulation software (e.g., GLD, GHLEPro, COMSOL, Modelica, and DOE codes).
• Certified Geothermal Designer and Licensed or immediately eligible for licensure.