Research Associate, Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering Full-time

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

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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; and collaboration in multidisciplinary research.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Working Conditions

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

Work Shift

• 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