Postdoctoral Scholar

Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition exemption for qualified staff

Training and development opportunities

Employee discounts

Job summary

Louisiana State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Petroleum Engineering. The selected candidate will conduct experimental gas lift valve performance studies, analyze data, and report results to the VPC consortium, with hands-on lab and field testing at high-pressure facilities.

Responsibilities include planning tests, coordinating with member companies and vendors, writing journal articles, and developing proposals. A PhD in a related field is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geosciences, or closely related field required.
• Hands-on experimental experience in fluid flow research, laboratory testing and instrumentation is required.
• Ability to write technical reports and peer-reviewed publications is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run gas lift valve performance tests for the VPC consortium; design, set up, execute tests with instrumentation; follow lab safety procedures.
• Process, analyze and report test data; deliver test reports to VPC member companies on schedule.
• Serve as main technical contact with VPC member companies and valve vendors; coordinate testing requests and present results at consortium meetings.
• Conduct general research in gas lift and artificial lift; write journal and conference papers; help prepare research proposals.

Skills

Experimental fluid flow

Laboratory testing

Data analysis

Technical report writing

Education

PhD in Petroleum Engineering or closely related field

Tools

Data acquisition systems

High-pressure flow testing equipment

Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar# Louisiana State University - Careers## Postdoctoral ScholarApply: 3306 Patrick F. Taylor Hall: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 19, 2026 (13 days left to apply): R00122025## ****All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).****## **If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.**## Job Posting Title:Postdoctoral Scholar## Position Type:Other Academic## Department:LSUAM Engineering - Petroleum - Flow Lift Systems Heat Transfer and Design and Engineering (Paulo Waltrich (00012535))## Work Location:3306 Patrick F. Taylor Hall## Pay Grade:Other Academic## Job Description:**Overview:**The incumbent in this position will perform research on gas lift valve performance and artificial lift systems for the Valve Performance Clearinghouse (VPC) consortium, a joint industry consortium that funds an ongoing gas lift valve testing program for its member companies. The postdoctoral scholar will plan and run valve performance tests, serve as the main technical contact with VPC member companies and valve vendors, and process, analyze and report test data. The incumbent will also conduct general research, author journal and conference papers, and help prepare research proposals. Position includes hands-on laboratory and field testing at high-pressure flow testing facilities. Must follow laboratory safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment. **Job duties for Postdoctoral Scholar:*** Plan and run gas lift valve performance tests for the VPC consortium testing program, including test design, test setup and instrumentation, test execution, and adherence to laboratory safety procedures.* Process, analyze and report test data; prepare test reports and deliverables for VPC member companies on schedule.* Act as the main technical contact with VPC member companies and valve vendors; coordinate testing requests and present results at consortium meetings.* Conduct general research in gas lift and artificial lift, including writing journal and conference papers. Help prepare research proposals to expand the research program.* Training and professional development. **Minimum Qualifications for Postdoctoral Scholar:**PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geosciences, or closely related field and 0 years related experience and coursework in discipline/specialty area. Specific experience: Hands-on experimental experience is required: Expertise in experimental fluid flow research, laboratory testing and instrumentation, and engineering data analysis. Demonstrated ability to write technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. **Preferred Qualifications for Postdoctoral Scholar:**PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geosciences, or closely related field and 1-2 years in post-PhD. Specific experience: Demonstrated research record in artificial lift (especially gas lift) or flow through valves, orifices and chokes; experience with high-pressure flow testing and data acquisition systems; experience working with industry sponsors or joint industry consortia.## Additional Job Description:## Special Instructions:Application requirements: Must provide CV/resume, 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. For questions regarding this position please reach out to Dr. Paulo Waltrich [e-mail].**Skills Needed:****Preferred Skills:**## Posting Date:November 5, 2026## Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):November 19, 2026## 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.## Essential Position (Y/N):## 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.