Postdoctoral Fellow, Center Energy and Environmental Systems Analysis,Cockrell School

Job Posting Title

Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Energy and Environmental Systems Analysis, Cockrell School of Engineering

Center for Energy and Environmental Systems Analysis

The Postdoctoral Fellow will join a growing group of interdisciplinary experts in energy systems, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy policy within the Center for Energy and Environmental Systems Analysis (CEESA). This temporary training position may be renewed annually for a maximum of five years, based on performance reviews, progress toward research goals, and funding availability.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct research on developing physics‑informed models of the gas‑electric interconnection network with applications in voluntary carbon markets, risk assessments, and energy transition planning under the supervision of Dr. Arvind Ravikumar. The model will track the flow of natural gas from production regions to power plants, enabling applications such as traceability of carbon intensity of delivered gas, quantitative risk assessments of gas grid disruptions, and long‑term planning for repurposing pipelines to carry CO₂ or hydrogen.

The position will initially focus on the Southeast US, followed by expansion to other regions.

• Model Development: develop a physics‑informed model of integration of the natural gas pipeline system and electric power generation units in the US to probe interdependencies of the gas system and the electric system.
• Case Studies and Application Areas: use the gas‑electric integration model to answer questions related to low‑emissions gas certification, risk assessments in the electric system, and re‑purposing pipelines to lower carbon solutions including CO₂ transport.
• Writing and Documentation: lead peer‑reviewed manuscripts, white papers, and project reports summarizing the findings of the research.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in Energy System Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences, or a closely related field received within the last three years.
• Demonstrated research experience in energy system modeling, greenhouse gas emission inventories, or engineering‑based risk assessment models.

• Demonstrated experience in communicating technical information to varied audiences in industry, government, and non‑profit organizations.
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in research.
• Strong track record of peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other research staff and post‑doctoral scholars.

$63,573 + depending on qualifications

• Repetitive use of keyboard at workstation.
• Repetitive use of standard office equipment.
• Limited travel (2–3 trips per year to conferences and other meetings).

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks: A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency:
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