Postdoctoral Scholar

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Job Posting Title:

Postdoctoral Scholar

   

Position Type:

Other Academic

   

Department:

LSUAM Engineering - Petroleum - Flow Lift Systems Heat Transfer and Design and Engineering (Paulo Waltrich (00012535))

   

Work Location:

3306 Patrick F. Taylor Hall

   

Pay Grade:

Other Academic

   

Job Description:

Overview:

The incumbent in this position will perform research on gas lift valve performance and artificial lift systems for the Valve Performance Clearinghouse (VPC) consortium, a joint industry consortium that funds an ongoing gas lift valve testing program for its member companies. The postdoctoral scholar will plan and run valve performance tests, serve as the main technical contact with VPC member companies and valve vendors, and process, analyze and report test data. The incumbent will also conduct general research, author journal and conference papers, and help prepare research proposals. Position includes hands-on laboratory and field testing at high-pressure flow testing facilities. Must follow laboratory safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.

Job duties for Postdoctoral Scholar:

• Plan and run gas lift valve performance tests for the VPC consortium testing program, including test design, test setup and instrumentation, test execution, and adherence to laboratory safety procedures.

• Process, analyze and report test data; prepare test reports and deliverables for VPC member companies on schedule.

• Act as the main technical contact with VPC member companies and valve vendors; coordinate testing requests and present results at consortium meetings.

• Conduct general research in gas lift and artificial lift, including writing journal and conference papers. Help prepare research proposals to expand the research program.
• Training and professional development.

Minimum Qualifications for Postdoctoral Scholar:

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geosciences, or closely related field and 0 years related experience and coursework in discipline/specialty area. Specific experience: Hands-on experimental experience is required: Expertise in experimental fluid flow research, laboratory testing and instrumentation, and engineering data analysis. Demonstrated ability to write technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications for Postdoctoral Scholar:

PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geosciences, or closely related field and 1-2 years in post-PhD. Specific experience: Demonstrated research record in artificial lift (especially gas lift) or flow through valves, orifices and chokes; experience with high-pressure flow testing and data acquisition systems; experience working with industry sponsors or joint industry consortia.

   

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Application requirements:
Must provide CV/resume, contact information for 3 references, attach a copy of your transcript(s), and pass a satisfactory pre-employment background check and RS-17 background check. Original transcripts will be required prior to hire. If the candidate's highest degree is from an international institution, a credential evaluation report must be submitted prior to hire.

For questions regarding this position please reach out to Dr. Paulo Waltrich waltrich@lsu.edu.

   

Skills Needed:

   

Preferred Skills:

   

Posting Date:

November 5, 2026

   

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

November 19, 2026

  

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

   

Essential Position (Y/N):

   

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

   

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

   

HCM Contact Information: