Postdoctoral Fellow, Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, Cockrell School ofEngineering

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement plan

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering within the Cockrell School of Engineering. The position, based at UT's main campus, focuses on hydraulics, multi‑phase flow, drilling research and related R&D under the Hildebrand Department.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical or Petroleum Engineering, have CFD experience (Python/ MATLAB), and show potential for independent publication and supervision of students.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical / Petroleum Engineering obtained within three years of start date.
• Strong background in computational science and multi-physics modeling (CFD and multibody dynamics).
• Proven programming experience in Python and MATLAB.
• Strong record of peer‑reviewed publications; prior supervision experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct state‑of‑the‑art drilling research in hydraulics, 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.
• Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students and staff on R&D projects.
• Write papers and present results at professional meetings and conferences.
• Provide input on research and development inquiries and testing procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

CFD

Multi-physics

Supervision

Publications

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical or Petroleum Engineering

Job description

Job Posting Title:

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

Hiring Department:

Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering

Position Open To:

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until May 31, 2025

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details:

As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, theCockrell School of Engineeringat The University of Texas at Austin has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest numbers of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation's most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin - named "America's Coolest City" by Expedia and "The Best Place to Live in the U.S." by U.S. News and World Report - the Cockrell School embodies the city's innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders.

At UT Austin, we say "What starts here changes the world." As a member of the university community, you will be part of an organization that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will have meaning and make a difference not only in the lives of our faculty, staff, and students, but also those who are impacted by our first‑class academic and research programs.

UT Austin provides outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages that include:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)


• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options


• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays


• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds


• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)


• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses


• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities


• Tuition assistance


• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets


• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card


• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

General Notes

This is a temporary training position that may be renewed annually, for a maximum of five years, based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding.

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

• Conducts state‑of‑the‑art drilling research in the areas of hydraulics and multi‑phase flow dynamics, managed pressure drilling, drill string dynamics, geothermal well construction


• Works on proposals, R&D plans, schedules, and completion of reports on detailed phase of research projects


• Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students and staff associated with R&D projects


• Write papers and present results at relevant professional meetings and conferences


• Provides input on research and development inquiries, insight and direction for testing procedures and research


• Performs 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 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multibody dynamics. Strong experience of 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 (development of user interfaces, etc.). 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

Physics Tasks

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation


• Use of manual dexterity


• May require climbing of stairs


• May require lifting and moving

Required Materials

• Resume/CV


• Sample of related publications


• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor


• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility:

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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.

Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]


• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]


• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]


• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.