Postdoctoral Researcher - Multiphase Flow & CCUS

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct experimental and applied research on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer across multiple projects. The role involves designing, building, and operating high-pressure flow loops at the PERTT Laboratory under Professor Chen, with data analytics and ML for data-driven insights.

The incumbent will develop independent research skills in geothermal and CO2-related thermodynamics,

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant engineering/science field.
• Hands-on experimental experience with flow loops and high-pressure facilities needed.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills; peer-reviewed publications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run experiments on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer.
• Analyze data, apply data analytics, ML, and data assimilation to results.
• Validate models against experiments and publish findings.
• Present results and contribute to reports and peer-reviewed papers.

Skills

Experimental skills

Data analysis

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Data acquisition systems

High-pressure test facilities

Job description

Job Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher - Multiphase Flow & CCUS

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 experimental and applied research on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer across several concurrently funded projects, under the guidance of Dr. Chen. This is a training appointment in which the incumbent develops independent research capability while working under the direction of a tenure-track faculty member. Areas include geothermal engineering, geothermal thermal-hydraulics, geothermal well control, and geothermal system engineering; CO2-related thermal hydraulics, CO2 well control, and CO2 and hydrocarbon transport and injection, including CO2 injection and CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling for safety and risk studies; well control and managed pressure drilling (MPD); and well integrity and decommissioning. The work is hands-on: designing, building, commissioning and operating high-pressure flow loops, instrumentation and data acquisition, and executing test campaigns on the PERTT Laboratory facilities. Responsibilities include planning and running experiments, reducing and analyzing data, applying data analytics, machine learning and data assimilation methods to experimental and operational datasets, validating models against experimental results, writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, and presenting results.

Job Duties

Perform experimental and applied research, under the guidance of a tenure-track faculty member, on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer across several concurrently funded projects. Areas include geothermal engineering, geothermal thermal-hydraulics, geothermal well control, and geothermal system engineering; CO2-related thermal hydraulics, CO2 well control, and CO2 and hydrocarbon transport and injection, including CO2 injection and CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling for safety and risk studies; well control and managed pressure drilling (MPD); and well integrity and decommissioning. The work is hands-on at the PERTT Lab facilities. Responsibilities include planning and running experiments, reducing and analyzing data, applying data analytics, machine learning and data assimilation methods to experimental and operational datasets, validating models against experimental results, writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, and presenting results. Professional development hours/requirements and other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Geosciences or related field with 0 years of experience. Specific experience: Hands-on experimental experience is required: building and operating flow loops or comparable high-pressure test facilities, instrumentation and data acquisition, and execution of test campaigns. Working knowledge of thermal hydraulics, thermodynamics, and multiphase flow heat transfer. Evidence of peer-reviewed publication and strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Geosciences or related field with 0 years of Post-PhD experience. Specific experience: Expertise in experimental multiphase flow is a strong advantage, as is a strong background in heat and mass transfer and in thermodynamics. A petroleum engineering background and prior field or industry experience are advantageous. Strong experience with data analytics, machine learning and data assimilation applied to flow and thermal systems is preferred, including surrogate and reduced-order modeling, uncertainty quantification, and digital twin workflows that couple physics-based models with experiment. Experience with geothermal or CO2 thermodynamics & phase behavior, coupled wellbore-reservoir modeling, and CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling is welcome. None of these is required.

Preferred Certifications / Licenses

OSHA/University lab safety training a plus