What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher position at LSU Craft & Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering?
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 (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.
Job duties for Postdoctoral Researcher:
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.
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.
Additional Job Description:
Special Instructions:
Application requirements:
Must provide CV, contact information for 3 references, 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 (yuanhangchen@lsu.edu) or LSU HR.
Posting Date:
March 12, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
March 26, 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.