Postdoc: Shale Multiphase Flow & Relative Permeability

University of Texas; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to quantify multiphase flow and gas–condensate relative permeability in unconventional reservoirs. The role combines lab experiments on shale samples with modeling to optimize drawdown strategies for improved production.

The successful candidate will work in a fast-moving, interdisciplinary team at the Bureau of Economic Geology, with opportunities to publish high-impact science and collaborate with industry researchers.

Qualifications

• PhD in petrophysics, geomechanics, petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, geosciences, or closely related field.
• Experience with high-pressure core experiments and petrophysical measurements (permeability, relative permeability, capillary pressure).
• Strong data analysis and scripting ability (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• Understanding of fluid transport in tight/unconventional formations (Darcy vs non-Darcy).

Responsibilities

• Operate and improve high-pressure core experiments measuring permeability and relative permeability.
• Develop methods to quantify capillary pressure and saturation in nano-Darcy shale.
• Investigate fracture–matrix interactions affecting multiphase flow and production.
• Create analytical and numerical models to interpret lab data and transport mechanisms.

Skills

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Experimental design

Education

PhD in Petrophysics, Geomechanics, Petroleum Eng, Chem Eng, Geosciences

Tools

CMG GEM

ECLIPSE

CT imaging

Job description

University of Texas at Austin seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to quantify multiphase flow and gas–condensate relative permeability in unconventional reservoirs. The role combines lab experiments on shale samples with modeling to optimize drawdown strategies for improved production.

The successful candidate will work in a fast-moving, interdisciplinary team at the Bureau of Economic Geology, with opportunities to publish high-impact science and collaborate with industry researchers.