Postdoctoral Researcher

The incumbent in this position will perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and transient multiphase flow modeling in support of PHMSA-funded pipeline safety research, including shrouding effects on pressurized liquefied natural gas (LNG) releases, atmospheric dispersion of hazardous releases, and pipeline leak detection using aerial distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS). The position will build, verify, and validate CFD models of multiphase, compressible, and turbulent flow with heat transfer on high-performance computing (HPC) resources, and will develop physics-based and data-informed digital twin tools for pipeline and well integrity applications. Related work in CO2 transport, injection, and well control and in geothermal thermal-hydraulics is also supported. 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.

40% Perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and transient multiphase flow simulations for PHMSA-funded pipeline safety research, including shrouding effects on pressurized LNG releases, atmospheric dispersion of hazardous releases, and pipeline leak detection using aerial distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS).

40% Build, verify, and validate CFD and reduced-order models of multiphase, compressible, and turbulent flow with heat transfer on high-performance computing (HPC) resources, and develop physics-based and data-informed digital twin workflows for pipeline and well integrity. Related applications include CO2 transport, injection, and well control, and geothermal thermal-hydraulics.

15% Develop and validate models and simulation workflows, benchmark simulation results against experimental and field data, write technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, present results, and support experimental facility development under faculty supervision.

5% Other duties as assigned.

Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or related 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, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD). 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.

Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or closely related with 0 years of experience.

Specific Experience: Demonstrated research record in CFD and transient multiphase flow, including hands-on use of CFD codes (e.g., OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+) on HPC systems, turbulence and multiphase model selection, and validation against experimental data. Experience relevant to pipeline and facility safety: compressible or flashing releases, LNG/CO2 atmospheric dispersion modeling, leak detection, and distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) data. Experience in wellbore thermal-hydraulics, coupled wellbore-reservoir modeling, geothermal or CO2 injection and well control, digital twin workflows, and version control is a plus.

Certifications/ Licenses: OSHA/University lab safety training

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.

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.