Research Associate, Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin’s Hildebrand Department invites applications for a Research Associate to advance physics-based simulations of fluids in porous media. This role focuses on molecular-scale dynamics, numerical modeling, and high-performance computing to interpret subsurface measurements.

The successful candidate will design and validate simulations, integrate results with experimental data, and contribute to publications and reports under the guidance of the faculty.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, applied mathematics, or closely related field.
• Seven years of experience in physics, chemistry, engineering, or related discipline with substantial research.
• Experience with computational modeling or numerical simulation and scientific programming.

Responsibilities

• Design, perform, and validate molecular-scale simulations of fluid behavior and interactions with pore surfaces.
• Develop computational models of nuclear and magnetic-resonance measurements for subsurface characterization.
• Use HPC resources to manage simulations, assess uncertainty, and improve reproducibility.
• Integrate computational predictions with experimental measurements and interpret results.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and updates; coordinate with collaborators and sponsors.

Skills

Computational modeling

Scientific programming

Quantitative data analysis

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD degree

Tools

MCNP

GROMACS

LAMMPS

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Job Posting Title:Research Associate, Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering-Hiring Department:Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering-Position Open To:All Applicants-Weekly Scheduled Hours:40-FLSA Status:Exempt from FLSA-Earliest Start Date:Immediately-Position Duration:Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2029-Location:UT MAIN CAMPUS-Job Details:General NotesAs a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin — named “America’s Coolest City” by Expedia and “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report — the Cockrell School embodies the city’s innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders.Position PurposeConduct advanced physics-based research and develop computational approaches to investigate the properties of fluids and porous geological materials, interpret formation-evaluation measurements, and improve understanding of subsurface energy and storage systems.ResponsibilitiesDesign, perform, and validate molecular-scale simulations of fluid behavior, transport, and interactions with mineral or organic pore surfaces; analyze implications for petrophysical properties.Develop and evaluate computational models of nuclear and magnetic-resonance measurements, including applications to subsurface characterization and monitoring in well environments.Use scientific programming, numerical methods, and high-performance computing resources to manage simulations, assess uncertainty, interpret results, and improve reproducibility.Integrate computational predictions with available experimental measurements; investigate model sensitivity and interpret scientific findings.Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, and research updates; coordinate with faculty, students, collaborators, and consortium sponsors.Required QualificationsP.h.D. degree and seven years of experience in physics, chemistry, engineering, applied mathematics, or a closely related discipline, plus substantial relevant research experience appropriate to the Research Associate classificationExperience with computational modeling or numerical simulation; scientific programming and quantitative data analysis; technical documentation and communication; and collaboration in multidisciplinary research.Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.Preferred QualificationsAdvanced degree, particularly a PhD, in physics, computational science, engineering, or a related field.Research in molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo particle transport, magnetic resonance, or confined fluids.Familiarity with MCNP, GROMACS, LAMMPS or comparable tools, Python, MATLAB, and high-performance computing.Experience in subsurface energy applications, publications, presentations, and mentoring.Salary$80,000 + depending on qualificationsWorking ConditionsWork is performed in a standard office environmentRepetitive use of keyboard at workstation.Work ShiftStandard business hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.Work outside of normal business hours may be required on an occasional basis during peak timesRequired MaterialsResume/CVLetter of interest3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisorImportant for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume in the first step of the online job application process. Then, any additional Required Materials will be uploaded in the My Experience section; you can multi-select the additional files or click the Upload button for each file. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find Jobs. Before you apply though, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page, and you will need to click the Upload button multiple times in order to attach your Resume, References and any additional Required Materials noted above.-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.-Retirement Plan Eligibility:The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.-Background Checks:A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.-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.-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.-Employment Eligibility Verification:If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.-E-Verify:The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]-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 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.The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.