Postdoctoral and PhD Positions in Geothermal Engineering, Multiphase Flow, and Carbon Management at Louisiana State University

Professor Yuanhang Chen, Murray F. and Julia Hawkins Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU), is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral/Senior Postdoctoral Researcher and one prospective PhD student to join his research group in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The research focuses on advancing transient multiphase flow and heat transfer for geothermal engineering (including construction and extraction thermal-hydraulics) and carbon management (such as CO₂ injection, well control, and transport). The postdoctoral researcher will also work on CO₂ atmospheric dispersion modeling for safety and risk scenarios, and develop computational tools, including physics-based and data-informed digital twin workflows for multi-energy applications. Expected outcomes include validated models, simulation workflows, peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference presentations. The postdoctoral position requires a PhD in Petroleum, Mechanical, Nuclear, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with strong fundamentals in transport and heat transfer, demonstrated modeling and simulation experience, proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++, and a strong publication and communication record. Preferred qualifications include research experience in geothermal engineering, CO₂ injection or well control, transient multiphase/thermal-hydraulics in wellbore systems, CO₂ thermodynamics/phase behavior, coupled wellbore–reservoir modeling, dispersion modeling, CFD/HPC, and version control. The start date is as soon as possible, preferably before June 2026, and early applicants will receive prioritized consideration. The PhD position is open for Summer/Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 start, in similar disciplines such as CCUS, geothermal, multiphase flow, heat transfer, and dispersion. Requirements are more flexible than the postdoc role, with strong fundamentals and a willingness to develop modeling and coding skills being most important. Interested candidates should email their CV and a brief note on interests and preferred start term to Professor Chen. These opportunities are ideal for candidates interested in geothermal engineering, multiphase flow, heat transfer, carbon management, CO₂ injection, well control, dispersion modeling, and computational modeling. The research group at LSU offers a collaborative environment with access to advanced computational resources and opportunities for impactful research in energy and environmental applications.