Yuanhang Chen

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.

Yuanhang Chen at Louisiana State University is recruiting motivated researchers for a fully funded research group working on subsurface engineering , decarbonization , and ML/AI . Openings: two postdoctoral / senior postdoctoral researchers and two graduate student positions (prospective PhD preferred). One postdoc is full-time/on-site, while the other may allow part-time and/or remote work. Start dates are flexible: ASAP is preferred for postdocs, with later 2026 or early 2027 also possible. Graduate entry is listed for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027, or Fall 2027. Research areas: geothermal system engineering, operations, well construction, geothermal well control; CCUS and CO₂ injection thermo-hydraulics; CO₂ well control; well integrity and decommissioning, including plugging & abandonment and sustained casing pressure; and atmospheric dispersion modeling of hazardous gases for safety/risk scenarios. Ideal background: strong experimental, numerical, and/or data-driven skills. Candidates with interest in petroleum engineering, geothermal energy, carbon capture, well integrity, and AI-enabled subsurface engineering are especially encouraged. Funding: all positions are fully funded through active projects. How to apply: email your CV, a short statement of fit, any experimental experience, and your earliest start date to [email protected] . You may also include a few representative papers if available. Early applications are prioritized.