Postdoctoral Researcher

Louisiana State University; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Louisiana State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to study transient multiphase flow and heat transfer with applications to geothermal engineering and CO2 management. The role includes developing computational tools and digital twin models, and supporting LNG research using DFOS techniques.

The candidate should have a PhD in a related field, strong programming skills (Python, MATLAB, C/C++), and a track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Nuclear Engr or related field.
• Expertise in fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
• Experience in computational modeling/simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer.
• Strong programming skills (Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++).
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications and strong written/verbal communication.
• A valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• 40% Research on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer for geothermal engineering and carbon management.
• 40% CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling and development of digital twin models; LNG DFOS research support.
• 15% Develop/validate models and simulation workflows; write reports and publications; assist experimental facilities.
• 5% Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer

Computational modeling

Programming (Python, MATLAB, C/C++)

Written and verbal communication

Education

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Nuclear Engr or related field

Tools

CFD tools

HPC

Version control

Job description

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

Position 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

• 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

• PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Nuclear Engr or related with 0 years of 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

• PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Nuclear Engr or related with 1-2 years of experience post-PhD.
• 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.

Special Instructions

Application requirements: Must provide CV, contact information for 3 references, attach a copy of your transcript(s), and pass a satisfactory pre-employment background check and RS-17 background check. Original transcripts will be required prior to hire. If the candidate's highest degree is from an international institution, a credential evaluation report must be submitted prior to hire.

Contact Information

For questions regarding this position, you may directly contact Dr. Yuanhang Chen ([e-mail]) or LSU HR.

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.

Benefits

• 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.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Position Safety and Requirements

This position requires a valid driver's license, will require an MVR, and is subject to drug screens per PS-67. This position is classified as a safety and security-sensitive position. A physical is required.

Additional Employer Information

LSU includes institutions, facilities and programs in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and its campuses stretch the length of the state from New Orleans to Shreveport. Each institution plays a vital role in preparing students to incorporate new knowledge and technologies into their daily lives. LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide-range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others. Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land-, sea- and space-grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences. The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College ("LSU"), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University at Alexandria Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana State University at Shreveport LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans LSU Health Science Center - Shreveport The Health Care Services Division Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Pennington Biomedical Research Center Any other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher-scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world-class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural, and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.