RESA III - CO2 Mobility and Subsurface Transport

Phase2 Technology; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 72,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a researcher for a one‑year fixed‑term, in‑person role at the Pickle Research Campus to quantify and simulate CO2 transport in tight reservoir rocks. The role blends lab measurements with analytical and numerical modeling to understand dynamic stress sensitivity and macro‑scale performance.

The successful candidate will join a strong BEG team focused on energy security and sustainability, with opportunities to publish and collaborate with industry and

Qualifications

• MS in petrophysics, petroleum engineering, geomechanics, chemical engineering or geosciences.
• At least 2 years in high‑pressure core experiments or fluid transport.
• Strong data analysis and scripting (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).

Responsibilities

• Core Transport Experiments: measure CO2 mobility, permeability, diffusion and adsorption.
• Geomechanical & Stress Evaluation: quantify rock‑fluid interactions under dynamic stress.
• Compositional Reservoir Simulation: upscale lab parameters into models for sensitivity studies.
• Strategic Integration: collaborate with lab teams to prepare field‑scale pilot frameworks.

Skills

Data analysis

Scripting

Laboratory automation

Education

MS in Petrophysics, Petroleum Engineering, Geomechanics, Chemical Engineering, Geosciences

PhD in the required disciplines (preferred)

Tools

CMG GEM

ECLIPSE

Job description

Job Posting Title:

RESA III - CO2 Mobility and Subsurface Transport

Hiring Department:

Bureau of Economic Geology

Position Open To:

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Jun 29, 2027

Location:

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details:

General Notes

This is a one-year, fixed-term, in-person position located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin.

The successful candidate will join an elite, fast-moving, and tightly integrated research cohort at the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), UT Austin. We are a small but exceptionally strong team dedicated to pioneering innovative experimental and modeling techniques that bridge the gap between laboratory‑scale physics and field‑scale implementation. Our mission centers on developing next‑generation solutions for energy security, efficiency, and sustainability.

This position is backed by robust, newly secured project funding. This position offers a premier opportunity for an ambitious researcher to publish high‑impact science, develop highly sought‑after expertise in complex subsurface fluid transport, and collaborate directly with leading industry and federal stakeholders. We provide a rigorous, supportive environment designed to launch successful careers in both advanced industrial R&D and academic leadership.

Purpose

The primary objective of this role is to quantify and simulate the complex transport dynamics, mobility, and structural interactions of gases and fluids confined within tight, stressed reservoir matrices of shale rocks (unconventional reservoirs). This role combines rigorous laboratory operations (measuring effective permeability, diffusion, and adsorption) in rock samples with nano‑Darcy permeability with analytical or numerical modeling to investigate how dynamic stress‑sensitivity governs macro‑scale reservoir performance.

Responsibilities

• Core Transport Experiments: Operate and modify advanced gas expansion/liquid transient flow systems to measure CO2 (gas and supercritical phase) mobility, effective permeability, molecular diffusion, and adsorption.
• Geomechanical & Stress Evaluation: Quantify rock-fluid interactions and transport degradation under dynamic net confining stress environments to evaluate reservoir stress‑sensitivity.
• Compositional Reservoir Simulation: Upscale laboratory-derived petrophysical, diffusion, relative permeability, and stress‑dependent parameters into compositional reservoir models to perform robust sensitivity and production forecast studies.
• Strategic Integration: Work closely with the lab formulation team to translate fluid‑interface mechanics into numerical transport constraints, preparing technical frameworks for upcoming field‑scale pilot deployments.

Required Qualifications

MS in Petrophysics, Petroleum Engineering, Geomechanics, Chemical Engineering, Geosciences, or a closely related geosystems discipline and at least 2 years experience. Proven experimental expertise in high‑pressure core experiments, petrophysical measurements (effective permeability, porosity), or fluid transport phenomena. Deep fundamental understanding of fluid transport mechanisms in tight/unconventional formations (diffusion, adsorption, Darcy vs. non‑Darcy flow). Strong capability in data analysis, scripting, or laboratory automation (Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW).

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

A PhD in the required disciplines is strongly preferred. Extensive proficiency with commercial compositional reservoir simulators (e.g., CMG GEM, ECLIPSE) and a proven track record of history-matching laboratory core-floods. Experience or strong fundamental training in Geomechanics (stress‑strain relationships, fracture conductivity, or rock mechanics). Experience utilizing digital rock physics, image analysis, or CT scanning to evaluate multi‑phase flow displacement.

Salary Range

$72,000 - $76,000

Working Conditions

• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around chemicals
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines
• Occasional travel intrastate, interstate, international
• Occasional fieldwork as necessary

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information
• Letter of interest

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.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Background Checks

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

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.

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 as 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.