Postdoctoral Researcher

Socket.dev; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

Louisiana State University (LSU) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance transient multiphase flow and heat transfer studies with applications in geothermal engineering and carbon management. You will develop and apply computational tools, including digital twin models, and contribute to PHMSA-related research on LNG releases and DFOS pipeline leak detection.

The role involves modeling, validation, reporting, and collaboration under faculty supervision, with publication of results and

Qualifications

• PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or related field with 0 years of experience.
• Expertise in fluid mechanics/transport phenomena and heat transfer.
• Strong programming skills (Python, MATLAB, C/C++).
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed publications and strong written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform research on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer for geothermal engineering and carbon management.
• Conduct CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling and develop computational tools including digital twins.
• Develop and validate models and workflows; write technical reports and publications; present results.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer

Computational modeling

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Education

PhD in Petroleum Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

Tools

CFD tools

HPC

Version control (Git)

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Type:

Other Academic

Department:

LSUAM Engineering - Petroleum - Transport Process Drilling and Geomechanics (Yuanhang Chen (00007935))

Work Location:

3306 Patrick F. Taylor Hall

Pay Grade:

Other Academic

Job Description:

Overview:

The incumbent in this position will perform research on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer with applications in (i) geothermal engineering (construction and/or extraction thermal-hydraulics) and (ii) carbon management, including CO2 transport, injection, and well control. The position will also conduct CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling for safety and risk-related studies and will develop and apply computational tools - including physics-based and data-informed digital twin models - for multi-energy applications. The position will also support PHMSA-related research on shrouding effects on pressurized liquefied natural gas (LNG) releases and pipeline leak detection using aerial distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS). Responsibilities include developing and validating models and simulation workflows, writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, presenting results, and supporting experimental facility development under faculty supervision.

Job duties for Postdoctoral Researcher:

• 40% Perform research on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer with applications in (i) geothermal engineering (construction and/or extraction thermal-hydraulics) and (ii) carbon management, including CO2 transport, injection, and well control.
• 40% Conduct CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling for safety and risk-related studies and will develop and apply computational tools - including physics-based and data-informed digital twin models - for multi-energy applications. The position will also support PHMSA-related research on shrouding effects on pressurized liquefied natural gas (LNG) releases and pipeline leak detection using aerial distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS).
• 15% Develop and validate models and simulation workflows, writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, presenting results, and supporting experimental facility development under faculty supervision.
• 5% Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for Postdoctoral Researcher:

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Nuclear Engr or related with 0 years of experience. Specific experience: Expertise in fluid mechanics/transport phenomena and heat transfer. Demonstrated experience in computational modeling/simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer. Strong scientific programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++) are required. Evidence of peer-reviewed publication and strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

A valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications for Postdoctoral Researcher:

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Nuclear Engr or related with 1-2 years of experience post-PhD. Specific experience: Demonstrated research record in transient multiphase flow and heat transfer in wellbore systems, with applications in geothermal engineering and/or CO2 injection and well control. Experience with geothermal or CO2 related thermodynamics/phase behavior, coupled wellbore-reservoir modeling, CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling, and development of digital twin workflows integrating physics-based models with experimental/operational data. Experience with CFD tools, HPC, and version control is a plus. Preferred Certification/License: OSHA/University lab safety training.

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.