Research Associate, Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin; Utah; On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Hildebrand Department seeks a Research Associate to conduct advanced physics-based research and develop computational approaches for fluids and porous geological materials. You will design molecular-scale simulations, create models for MRI measurements, and work with HPC resources to advance subsurface energy studies.

The role requires a PhD in physics, computational science, or engineering, and strong programming and collaboration abilities.

Qualifications

• PhD required with substantial research experience.
• Experience with computational modeling and quantitative data analysis.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, perform, and validate molecular-scale simulations of fluids and porous materials.
• Develop computational models for nuclear and magnetic-resonance measurements.
• Utilize HPC resources to manage simulations and analyze results.
• Prepare technical reports and coordinate with faculty, students, and sponsors.

Skills

computational modeling

scientific programming

multidisciplinary collaboration

data analysis

Education

PhD in physics/computational science/engineering

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 Notes As 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 Purpose Conduct 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.

• Design, 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.

• P.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 classification
• Experience with computational modeling or numerical simulation; scientific programming and quantitative data analysis
• Technical documentation and communication
• Collaboration in multidisciplinary research
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Advanced 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 qualifications

Work is performed in a standard office environment Repetitive use of keyboard at workstation.

Standard 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 times

Required Materials Resume/CV Letter of interest 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

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.

• 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 needed 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.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone].

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