RESA III - Advanced EOR Formulation and Interface Physics in Nanoporous Rocks (Shale)
The University of Texas at AustinAbout the role
Job Posting Title:
RESA III - 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:
Immediately----
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Jun 29, 2027----
Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS----
Job Details:
General Notes
This is a one-year, fixed-term, in-person position located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin.
Ā
The successful candidate will join an elite, fast-moving, and tightly integrated research cohort at the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), UT Austin. We are a small but exceptionally strong team dedicated to pioneering innovative experimental and modeling techniques that bridge the gap between laboratory-scale physics and field-scale implementation. Our mission centers on developing next-generation solutions for energy security, efficiency, and sustainability.
This position is backed by robust, newly secured project funding. This position offers a premier opportunity for an ambitious researcher to publish high-impact science, develop highly sought-after expertise in complex subsurface fluid transport, and collaborate directly with leading industry and federal stakeholders. We provide a rigorous, supportive environment designed to launch successful careers in both advanced industrial R&D and academic leadership
Purpose
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 fundamental huff-and-puff mechanisms and processes 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.
Responsibilities
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.
Required Qualifications
MS in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geological Engineering/Geosciences, Material Science, Interfacial Science, or a closely related discipline and at least 2 years' experience. 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.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
A PhD in the required disciplines is strongly preferred. 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., WinProp, 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.
Salary Range
$72,000 - $76,000
Working Conditions
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, overtim
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