Postdoctoral Researcher - Multiphase Flow & CCUS

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Job Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher - Multiphase Flow & CCUS

Position Type

Other Academic

Department

LSUAM Engineering - Petroleum - Transport Process Drilling and Geomechanics (Yuanhang Chen (00007935))

Work Location

3306 Patrick F. Taylor Hall

Pay Grade

Other Academic

Job Description

Overview

The incumbent in this position will perform research on transient multiphase flow and heat transfer with applications in areas such as (i) geothermal engineering (construction and/or extraction thermal-hydraulics) and (ii) carbon management, including CO2 transport, injection, and well control. The position will also conduct CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling for safety and risk-related studies and will develop and apply computational tools - including physics-based and data-informed digital twin models - for multi-energy applications. Responsibilities include developing and validating models and simulation workflows, writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, presenting results, and supporting experimental facility development under faculty supervision. The position will also support an externally sponsored training program in well decommissioning and plug and abandonment (P&A) at LSU's PERTT Laboratory.

Job duties for Postdoctoral R esearcher

Perform research transient multiphase flow and heat transfer for geothermal systems and CO2 well operations (transport, injection, well control).

Model CO2 atmospheric (dense-gas) dispersion for safety scenarios; deliver hazard-distance and sensitivity/uncertainty analyses.

Support the development and delivery of a well decommissioning and P&A training program, including competency mapping, preparation of instructional and assessment materials, hands-on laboratory training exercises, and participant support.

Publish and communicate results (papers, reports, presentations); support research planning and external engagement; maintain data/code.

Minimum Qualifications for Postdoctoral Researcher

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Geosciences or related field with 0 years of experience. Specific experience: Expertise in fluid mechanics/transport phenomena and heat transfer. Demonstrated experience in computational modeling/simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer. Strong scientific programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++) are required. Evidence of peer-reviewed publication and strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications for Postdoctoral Researcher

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engr, Chemical Engr, Geosciences or related field with 1-2 years of Post-PhD experience. Specific experience: Demonstrated research record in transient multiphase flow and heat transfer in wellbore systems, with applications in geothermal engineering and/or CO2 injection and well control. Experience with geothermal or CO2 related thermodynamics/phase behavior, coupled wellbore-reservoir modeling, CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling, and development of digital twin workflows integrating physics-based models with experimental/operational data. Experience with CFD tools, HPC, and version control is a plus. Hands-on experimental experience with multiphase flow is preferred; knowledge of well decommissioning and plug and abandonment (P&A) operations and interest in training program development are a plus.

Additional Job Description

Special Instructions

Application requirements

Must provide CV, contact information for 3 references, research statement, 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 you have regarding this position, you may directly contact Dr. Yuanhang Chen ([email hidden]) or LSU HR.

Skills Needed

Preferred Skills

Posting Date

August 3, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified)

August 10, 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 HR@lsu.edu . 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.