Join our Lab!

The Simulation, Assessment, and Learning of geOsystems (SALO) Lab at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is always seeking motivated researchers to join a collaborative team working at the intersection of fault processes, subsurface energy, and risk mitigation. We focus on addressing scientific challenges to advance sustainable energy development in geosystems, and embrace all forms of inquiry including computation, experiments, and field work.

We are looking for applicants interested in one or more of the following areas:

Faults and fluid flow: Characterization and modeling of fault zone architecture, evolution, and hydromechanical behavior; treatment of discontinuities in simulation models; multiscale characterization of fault and fracture properties; mineralization and groundwater processes
Subsurface energy: Understanding and mitigation of induced seismicity; risk assessment workflows for subsurface operations; flow and transport in engineered geosystems; regional studies of geologic suitability. Applications include geologic hydrogen storage, geothermal energy, and CO₂ sequestration

What we look for

A solid background in one or more STEM disciplines
Interest in working on applied geoscience and geoengineering problems
Computer programming experience or a strong interest to learn
Self-driven personality and motivation to learn and grow in a challenging, interdisciplinary, and multicultural environment
For postdocs and grad students only: Previous research exposure involving computer modeling, experiments, and/or field work

Postdoctoral Researchers

Ideal candidates have a PhD in geoscience, engineering, or a related field, and experience in computational or experimental research related to our group’s interests. If you are interested, please send your CV and a brief cover letter (one page) including research interests, background, and contact information for 2–3 references to Dr. Lluís Saló-Salgado.

Current openings

No openings available at the moment.

Graduate Students

Graduate students can apply through the UTK Graduate School and will typically pursue a degree in one of the following programs:

Admission offers cover tuition, health insurance, and provide a monthly stipend. Please do check the respective program websites for department-specific requirements and application deadlines.

💡 Prospective students

If you are interested in joining the SALO Lab, I encourage you to email me at salo@utk.edu with a brief description of your background and research interests, along with your CV. If I do not reply within two or three weeks, you are welcome to send me a follow-up email. I may not be able to respond to all emails, but that does not mean that I am not interested in working with you — it could simply mean that I am behind on email. I typically reply to prospective graduate student emails during admissions season only (August–November).

Undergraduate Students

We welcome motivated undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience. UTK undergraduates can get involved through independent study courses or summer research opportunities. If you are interested, please reach out to Dr. Lluís Saló-Salgado and/or the group members you are interested in working with, with a brief note about your interests and background.

All members of the SALO Lab are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and collaborative environment.