Postdoc: High-Density Fluid Design for Geothermal Systems

ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 99,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to design and formulate high-density fluids for superhot geothermal systems. You will develop composition–property relationships to optimize density, viscosity, phase behavior, and thermal stability at extreme temperatures and pressures, working with LANL experts.

The role emphasizes experimental qualification under demanding geothermal conditions, collaboration across geochemistry and materials teams, and dissemination of

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Geochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience designing and formulating liquid or multiphase fluid systems.
• Ability to interpret composition–property relationships to guide design.
• Experience with experimental instrumentation and quantitative analysis.
• Peer‑reviewed research record with lead‑author publication when possible.

Responsibilities

• Design and formulate new high-density working fluids for superhot geothermal systems.
• Establish systematic composition–structure–property relationships to guide formulation.
• Experimentally qualify promising fluids under extreme 375 °C / 22 MPa conditions.
• Collaborate with geochemistry, geomechanics, and AI/ML teams and publish results.

Skills

Fluid formulation design

Thermodynamics

Structure-property relationships

Collaboration & writing

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemistry/Geochemistry

Tools

High-temp rheometers

Autoclaves

ICP-MS/OES

XRD

Job description

ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to design and formulate high-density fluids for superhot geothermal systems. You will develop composition–property relationships to optimize density, viscosity, phase behavior, and thermal stability at extreme temperatures and pressures, working with LANL experts.

The role emphasizes experimental qualification under demanding geothermal conditions, collaboration across geochemistry and materials teams, and dissemination of