Job Title:Geothermal Modeling Graduate Student Employee
Location:Remote/Home Based
Job Summary and Description:EPRI's Geothermal R&D Group is seeking a motivated and technically strong graduate student to support ongoing research in geothermal subsurface modeling. You will work directly with EPRI scientists and engineers to advance understanding of geothermal reservoir behavior and its integration with surface systems, power generation, and grid/market models. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cross-disciplinary research central to the future of low-carbon, firm renewable energy.
This role is well-suited for an advanced graduate student with demonstrated quantitative, computational, and thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) modeling skills. Experience with reactive transport modeling, geochemistry, or geothermal datasets is considered a strong plus.
Interns can work fully remote, in an EPRI office, or in a hybrid arrangement. The timeframe is flexible, with a target duration of ~3 months. Weekly hours can be adjusted to accommodate academic schedules-from 15 hours/week (part-time) to 40 hours/week (full-time).
Key Responsibilities:- Collaborate with EPRI researchers to develop and apply geothermal subsurface models (e.g., coupled THMC simulations, reservoir characterization, or reactive transport workflows).
- Analyze geothermal datasets and integrate model outputs with surface-level and grid/market models to support geothermal power generation insights.
- Contribute to tool development, modeling workflows, and documentation in Python.
- Conduct literature reviews on geothermal modeling, reservoir processes, and related areas.
- Support report writing, presentations, and communication of key findings to internal and external stakeholders.
Internship Qualifications:- Graduate student in earth sciences, energy resources, mechanical engineering, geophysics, computer science, or a related field; preference for PhD students.
- Experience with THMC modeling, geothermal reservoir modeling, or related numerical simulations; reactive transport modeling and geochemistry background are a plus.
- Excellent Python skills and comfort working with scientific computing libraries.
- Strong technical aptitude with experience in quantitative methods, numerical modeling, and data analysis.
- Familiarity with the geothermal energy literature, reservoir processes, and/or energy systems integration.
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills; ability to present complex concepts clearly and concisely.
- Positive, proactive attitude; comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
What You'll Gain:- Hands-on experience with geothermal modeling challenges directly relevant to next-generation renewable baseload technologies.
- Mentorship from EPRI's multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working at the intersection of geoscience, energy systems, and emerging clean-energy technologies.
- Exposure to applied research used by utilities, developers, and government partners across the energy sector.
The hourly rate range for Student positions are:
- Undergraduate: $16-29 per hour
- Masters: $27-33 per hour
- Ph.D: $31-36 per hour
These ranges are an estimate, and the actual hourly rate may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The hourly rate may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.
As an EPRI Student, you will not participate in EPRI's Benefit Programs which includes health insurance, retirement benefits, vacation, sick leave (except as set required by law) and holiday pay. However, as a Student employee you are eligible for the benefits of Social Security, State Disability Insurance, and Workers' Compensation Insurance.
For Student positions which require one to relocate to an EPRI office. Relocation assistance is not provided and the student will be responsible for covering all relocation costs/expenses.
EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.
EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled
Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.
www.epri.com