Geologist

Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a geologist to drive innovation in metallurgical processing to support domestic critical materials production. The position, housed within the Critical Minerals and Geothermal Energy Department, will work closely with a team of geologists, chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, and computational scientists to develop new feedstock beneficiation pathways and separations technologies to unlock unconventional domestic critical material resources, such as mine tailings. A priority will be placed on candidates with a strong vision of how Artificial Intelligence tools can be applied to revolutionize domestic critical material supply chains. The chosen scientist will be expected to build a thriving, externally-funded research portfolio, disseminate research results through technical presentations at conferences and high-impact peer-reviewed publications, and work closely with industry partners to deploy critical mineral and material production technologies at scale.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.


Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct geological or geochemical field studies, sample collection, and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
• Plan and execute research programs focused on the development of novel comminution and beneficiation methods to improve critical materials production.
• Work closely with other geologists, chemists, chemical engineers, and materials scientists to integrate novel feedstocks and downstream processing methods.
• Actively pursue and secure funding through proposals and industry partnerships.
• Write peer-reviewed publications and technical reports and represent INL through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers at conferences and symposia.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Level 4: Masters of Science degree in geology, metallurgical engineering, or related field and 6+ years of professional experience in geology, metallurgical engineering or related field or a PhD in a related field and 4+ years of related experience.
• Level 5: Masters of Science degree in geology, metallurgical engineering, or related field and 8+ years of professional experience in geology, metallurgical engineering or related field or a PhD in a related field and 6+ years of related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct technical research and participate actively in R&D strategy.
• Experience in engaging program sponsors at DOE, industry and other federal agencies
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Ph.D. in geology, metallurgical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience at a DOE national laboratory, DOE, or experience in engaging with DOE.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. Field work includes working in remote locations within radioactive boundary areas (RBA), and overnight travel for extended field work. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is: Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336) / Level 5 ($137,076 - $281,196). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

About Us

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.