Post Doctoral Researcher

Lamar University; Beaumont (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Life insurance

State of Texas Retirement plans

Tuition covered at 100%

Paid time off

Job summary

Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the Center for Midstream Management and Science. The role blends lab and field research on midstream energy systems, pipelines, leak detection, and emissions, with data analysis, modeling, and reporting for multiple projects.

The position is temporary with 1 year initial appointment, potentially renewable for one additional year.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, or closely related STEM discipline at PhD/DE level.
• Experience conducting experimental or applied research in lab, field, or industrial settings.
• Ability to plan experiments, collect and analyze data, document methods and results.
• Experience preparing technical reports, presentations, or peer‑reviewed publications.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Background in mathematics up to PDEs and Helmholtz equation applications.
• Willingness to travel for field research across the Nation.
• Ability to present results at workshops and conferences.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments and develop methods for CMMS projects.
• Operate and troubleshoot lab and field measurement equipment.
• Analyze data, develop scripts or visualization tools for projects.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and industry partners; prepare reports and deliverables.

Skills

Experiment design

Data analysis

Lab instrumentation

Programming

Scientific communication

Field work

PDEs

Education

PhD or DE in engineering/physics/chemistry or closely related STEM field

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Gas chromatography

Gas analyzers

Vacuum equipment

Data acquisition systems

Programming

Machine learning

Job description

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will support applied research conducted through the Center for Midstream Management and Science. The position will contribute to multiple projects involving midstream energy systems, pipelines, leak detection, emissions, instrumentation, laboratory measurements, and data analysis. The research will be conducted in the lab and in the field. The postdoctoral researcher will help design and conduct experiments, operate research equipment, analyze data, prepare technical deliverables, and support the development of new research methods. Assignments may change as CMMS develops new projects and industry partnerships. The position is therefore intended for a researcher who can work across several technical areas and quickly learn new systems. This is a temporary position with an initial appointment of one year. The position may be renewed for one additional year, contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued approval, for a maximum appointment of two years. Special Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Essential Job Functions

Applied Research and Project Execution

• Conduct applied research in support of CMMS-sponsored and faculty-led projects.
• Design experiments, develop research methods, and evaluate new technologies.
• Manage assigned activities according to project schedules, objectives, and sponsor requirements.

Laboratory and Field Measurements

• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory and field measurement equipment.
• Conduct measurements involving leak detection, gases, emissions, sensors, and other project variables.
• Maintain experimental records and follow established safety and quality procedures.

Data Analysis and Technical Development

• Process, analyze, and interpret experimental and operational data.
• Develop scripts, models, software, or visualization tools needed for research projects.
• Evaluate data quality, measurement uncertainty, and system performance.

Research Collaboration and Project Support

• Work with CMMS faculty, staff, students, and industry partners on multidisciplinary projects.
• Contribute to technical reports, publications, proposals, presentations, and sponsor deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance to students and assist with laboratory and project activities.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Terminal degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, or a closely related STEM discipline at the level of PhD or DE.
• Experience conducting experimental or applied research in an academic, laboratory, field, or industrial setting.
• Ability to plan experiments, collect and analyze data, and document research methods and results.
• Experience preparing technical reports, presentations, or peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary research teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong background in mathematics up to partial differential equations in three dimensions in solving the Helmholtz Equation in different coordinate systems, including cylindrical symmetries and applications of Bessel functions.
• Ability to manage multiple research tasks and meet project schedules and sponsor requirements.
• Willingness to travel for conducting research in the field across the Nation.
• Ability to present results at workshops, symposia, and conferences.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory measurement systems such as mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, gas analyzers, or vacuum equipment.
• Experience with sensors, instrumentation, data-acquisition systems, or automated experimental equipment.
• Experience with programming, signal processing, statistical analysis, machine learning, or scientific data visualization.
• Experience conducting field tests or working with industry-sponsored research projects.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety, calibration procedures, quality control, and experimental uncertainty.

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies

• Ability to design, conduct, and troubleshoot laboratory and field experiments.
• Ability to learn and operate unfamiliar instruments, software, and research systems.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex experimental data.
• Ability to document procedures, code, equipment configurations, and research findings clearly.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, students, technical staff, industry partners, and project sponsors.
• Ability to oversee research projects for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to experimental quality and safety.
• Ability to publish results across the spectrum of trade journals to high-impact journals.

Physical Requirements

Able to lift 25 pounds and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, stair climbing, and walking between buildings.

Job Conditions

Work is typically performed in a lab or office environment. Occasional visits to field testing sites will be required. Flexibility in working hours may be needed during experimental deployments or system upgrades.

Who We Are

Home to more than 18,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas.With more than 120-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.Lamar University strives to educate leaders,demonstrate excellence in student learning and career readiness, and pursue research with relevance. Lamar University is committed to fostering an environment of teamwork where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and become a part of our community.

Benefits

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
• State of Texas Retirement plans
• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents
• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Benefits - Lamar University

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.