Research Assistant

Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Baton Rouge is seeking an Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering to join a research team focusing on CCUS and geothermal systems. The role involves recruiting PhD and MS students for funded positions starting Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026. Candidates must have a relevant engineering degree and strong skills in Python, MATLAB, or C++. Experience in CFD is preferred.

Qualifications

• Candidates should hold a degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Priority will be given to applicants with hands-on CFD experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, C++ is expected.

Responsibilities

• Join a research group focusing on CCUS, geothermal systems, and process safety.
• Conduct research on transient multiphase flow and conduct testing at LSU’s PERTT Lab.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C++

hands-on CFD experience

heat transfer

fluid mechanics

thermodynamics

machine learning techniques

Education

Degree in Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical, Nuclear, Environmental Engineering or related field

Tools

instrumentation/DAQ

experimental setups

Job description

Murray F. and Julia Hawkins Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering

Recruiting 1–2 Funded Students — Prospective PhD (preferred) & Prospective MS — Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026

I am seeking prospective PhD (preferred) and strong MS students to join my research group at LSU to work at the intersection of CCUS, geothermal systems, well control/MPD, and process safety.

Our group studies transient multiphase flow with heat and mass transfer, combining advanced modeling with multi‑scale, hands‑on experimentation—including field‑scale testing at LSU’s PERTT Lab, an industrial facility capable of high‑pressure, multiphase flow experiments in real tubular systems. Future projects will also leverage the new CO₂ research well and related experimental setups as they come online.

Focus areas (selected):

• CO₂ transport safety and subsurface injection
• CO₂, LNG, and hazardous‑liquid atmospheric dispersion resulting from accidental releases or leaks
• Machine learning–accelerated simulation and surrogate modeling for multiphase and dispersion processes
• Geothermal drilling and system thermo‑hydraulics; MPD and well control for offshore, geothermal, and CO₂ well construction operations

Candidates should hold a degree in Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical, Nuclear, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. Priority will be given to applicants with hands‑on CFD experience in multiphase and thermofluid problems. Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++, along with solid foundations in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics, is expected. Experience with instrumentation/DAQ, experimental setups, or machine learning techniques for scientific modeling and surrogate development is considered a plus.

How to apply:

Email your CV and a brief cover note to [e-mail]. If available, include representative publications, transcripts, and your earliest possible start term.

Seniority level

Internship

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

Higher Education