Postdoctoral Researcher - Multiphase Flow & CCUS

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Job Posting Title:

Postdoctoral Researcher - Multiphase Flow & CCUS

   

Position Type:

Other Academic

   

Department:

LSUAM Engineering - Petroleum - Transport Process Drilling and Geomechanics (Yuanhang Chen (00007935))

   

Work Location:

3306 Patrick F. Taylor Hall

   

Pay Grade:

Other Academic

   

Job Description:

Overview:

The incumbent in this position will perform experimental and applied research on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer across several concurrently funded projects, under the guidance of Dr. Chen. This is a training appointment in which the incumbent develops independent research capability while working under the direction of a tenure-track faculty member. Areas include geothermal engineering, geothermal thermal-hydraulics, geothermal well control, and geothermal system engineering; CO2-related thermal hydraulics, CO2 well control, and CO2 and hydrocarbon transport and injection, including CO2 injection and CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling for safety and risk studies; well control and managed pressure drilling (MPD); and well integrity and decommissioning. The work is hands-on: designing, building, commissioning and operating high-pressure flow loops, instrumentation and data acquisition, and executing test campaigns on the PERTT Laboratory facilities. Responsibilities include planning and running experiments, reducing and analyzing data, applying data analytics, machine learning and data assimilation methods to experimental and operational datasets, validating models against experimental results, writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, and presenting results.

Job duties for Postdoctoral Researcher:

Perform experimental and applied research, under the guidance of a tenure-track faculty member, on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer across several concurrently funded projects. Areas include geothermal engineering, geothermal thermal-hydraulics, geothermal well control, and geothermal system engineering; CO2-related thermal hydraulics, CO2 well control, and CO2 and hydrocarbon transport and injection, including CO2 injection and CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling for safety and risk studies; well control and managed pressure drilling (MPD); and well integrity and decommissioning. The work is hands-on at the PERTT Lab facilities.

Responsibilities include planning and running experiments, reducing and analyzing data, applying data analytics, machine learning and data assimilation methods to experimental and operational datasets, validating models against experimental results, writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, and presenting results.

Professional development hours/requirements and other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for Postdoctoral Researcher:

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Geosciences or related field with 0 years of experience. Specific experience: Hands-on experimental experience is required: building and operating flow loops or comparable high-pressure test facilities, instrumentation and data acquisition, and execution of test campaigns. Working knowledge of thermal hydraulics, thermodynamics, and multiphase flow heat transfer. Evidence of peer-reviewed publication and strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications for Postdoctoral Researcher:

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Geosciences or related field with 0 years of Post-PhD experience. Specific experience: Expertise in experimental multiphase flow is a strong advantage, as is a strong background in heat and mass transfer and in thermodynamics. A petroleum engineering background and prior field or industry experience are advantageous. Strong experience with data analytics, machine learning and data assimilation applied to flow and thermal systems is preferred, including surrogate and reduced-order modeling, uncertainty quantification, and digital twin workflows that couple physics-based models with experiment. Experience with geothermal or CO2 thermodynamics & phase behavior, coupled wellbore-reservoir modeling, and CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling is welcome. None of these is required.

Preferred Certifications/Licenses:

OSHA/University lab safety training a plus

   

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Application requirements:
Must provide CV, contact information for 3 references, attach a copy of your transcript(s), and pass a satisfactory pre-employment background check and RS-17 background check. Original transcripts will be required prior to hire. If the candidate's highest degree is from an international institution, a credential evaluation report must be submitted prior to hire. For questions you have regarding this position, you may directly contact Dr. Yuanhang Chen ([email protected]) or LSU HR.

   

Skills Needed:

   

Preferred Skills:

   

Posting Date:

November 10, 2026

   

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

March 10, 2027

  

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

   

Essential Position (Y/N):

   

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

   

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

   

HCM Contact Information: