Postdoctoral Fellow - Advanced EOR Formulation and Interface Physics in Nanoporous Rocks; Shale

Job Posting Title – Postdoctoral Fellow – Advanced EOR Formulation and Interface Physics in Nanoporous Rocks (Shale)

Hiring Department
:
Bureau of Economic Geology

Position Open To
:
All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours
: 40

FLSA Status
:
Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date
:
Aug 01, 2026

Position Duration
:
Expected to Continue Until Jul 31, 2027

Location
: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS – J.J. Pickle Research Campus, North Austin, Texas

This is a one-year, in-person position at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin.

The primary objective of this role is to lead innovative laboratory investigations into fluid-fluid/fluid-rock interface optimization within unconventional reservoir rocks. The role balances core DOE deliverables on huff-and-puff mechanisms with exploratory research into advanced chemical systems (surfactants, co-solvents, foam conformance) and complex suspensions (nanoparticles/aqueous stability) designed to unlock uncontacted oil in shale systems.

• Experimental Execution:
  Design and conduct advanced high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) injection and microscale huff-and-puff experiments to evaluate CO2, gas, and chemical EOR performance.
• Interface & Fluid Characterization:
  Quantify rock wettability and alterations, interfacial tension (IFT), and the aqueous stability/rheology of complex surfactant-nanoparticle suspensions.
• Advanced EOR Development:
  Formulate, test, and optimize multi-component injectants, including CO2-co-solvent blends, surfactant co-injections, and foam systems for mobility and conformance control.
• Collaboration & Documentation:
  Document experimental workflows, author high-impact peer-reviewed publications, deliver technical presentations, and collaborate closely with numerical modeling team members to upscale laboratory findings.

• PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geological Engineering/Geosciences, Material Science, Interfacial Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive hands-on experience in an HPHT laboratory environment, specifically dealing with CO2 and shale oil and gas, high salinity brine, high-pressure pumps, and fluid handling.
• Proven expertise in evaluating fluid-fluid and fluid-rock properties (wettability, IFT, surfactant chemistry, or colloidal stability).
• Excellent technical writing skills with a verified track record of publication in top-tier journals.

PhD must have been obtained within 3 years from date of hire.

• PVT & Thermodynamic Modeling:
  Integrate laboratory observations with phase behavior modeling to characterize complex fluid mixtures and multi-phase behavior.
• Hands-on proficiency with PVT and thermodynamic phase behavior software (e.g., Win Prop, PVTi) to match experimental fluid data.
• Demonstrated experience working with nanoparticles, colloidal suspensions, or advanced materials (specifically managing aqueous stability and transport in porous media).
• Experience with foam generation and foam rheology in porous media.

$65,000+ depending on qualifications

• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around chemicals
• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines
• Occasional travel intrastate, interstate, and international
• Occasional fieldwork as necessary

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,…