Postdoctoral Fellow, Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 58,500 - 71,500; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering. This role involves conducting cutting-edge research, supervising students, and contributing to the development of innovative solutions in the field.

Qualified candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical or Petroleum Engineering and possess strong skills in computational modeling and software development. The position offers a salary starting at $65,000, based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical/Petroleum Engineering required within three years of start.
• Strong experience in scientific computational software development.
• Proven programming experience in Python and Matlab.

Responsibilities

• Conduct drilling research in hydraulics and multi-phase flow dynamics.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students on R&D projects.
• Write papers and present results at professional meetings.

Skills

Computational science

Multi-physics modeling

CFD

Multibody dynamics

Python

Matlab

Research supervision

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical/Petroleum Engineering

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering

Purpose

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct world‑leading research, producing deliverables on time, keeping projects within budget, meeting project reporting and publication requirements, and ensuring that the project is appropriately resourced.

Responsibilities

• Conduct state‑of‑the‑art drilling research in hydraulics and multi‑phase flow dynamics, managed pressure drilling, drill string dynamics, and geothermal well construction
• Work on proposals, R&D plans, schedules, and completion of reports on detailed phases of research projects
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students and staff associated with R&D projects
• Write papers and present results at relevant professional meetings and conferences
• Provide input on research and development inquiries, insight, and direction for testing procedures and research
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in Mechanical / Petroleum Engineering received within three years of the start date. Background in computational science and multi‑physics modeling, including CFD and multibody dynamics. Strong experience in scientific computational software development including proven programming experience in multiple programming languages including Python and Matlab. Strong proven record of peer‑reviewed publications in the aforementioned areas. Prior experience with supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

Research background in modeling of multiphase flow in pipe and porous media coupled with heat transfer. Research background in drill string dynamics, preferably using the multibody dynamics method. Familiar with drilling and well‑completion technologies. Understanding of drilling tools and practices in the field. Experience in software secondary development. Successful experience in patent application. Previous experience with project supervision.

Salary

$65,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around mechanical hazards
• May work in standard office conditions

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.