Postdoctoral Fellow - Relative Permiability in Shale

Job Posting Title: Postdoctoral Fellow - Relative Permiability in 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 Aug 31, 2027 ---- Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS ---- Job Details: General Notes The successful candidate will join an elite, fast-moving, and tightly integrated research cohort at the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), Jackson School of Geosciences, 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 newly secured industrial 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 researchers. We provide a rigorous, supportive environment designed to launch successful careers in both advanced industrial R&D and academic leadership. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are for one year, and are renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward research goals. Purpose The primary objective of this role is to quantify multiphase flow and gas–condensate relative permeability in unconventional reservoirs and evaluate their impact on production. The position combines advanced laboratory experiments to characterize effective permeability, relative permeability, capillary pressure, and fluid saturation in nano-Darcy shale rocks and propped fractures, with analytical and numerical modeling to interpret multiphase transport and evaluate optimal drawdown strategies for improved production. In addition to the core project objectives, the researcher will have opportunities to develop new experimental approaches for challenging measurements of capillary pressure and to investigate fracture–matrix interactions in multiphase flow. Responsibilities Multiphase Transport Experiments: Operate, develop, and modify advanced gas-expansion and liquid-transient flow systems to measure effective permeability, gas–liquid relative permeability, fluid saturations, and multiphase transport properties in shale samples. Capillary Pressure & Saturation: Develop and implement innovative experimental and analytical approaches to quantify capillary pressure and saturation relationships in extremely low-permeability shale, addressing the experimental challenges associated with nano-Darcy flow and multiphase systems. Fracture–Matrix Interactions: Investigate multiphase transport between propped fractures and the shale matrix, including fracture permeability, gas–liquid relative permeability, fluid exchange, and the role of fracture–matrix interactions in production. Data Analysis & Modeling: Develop analytical and numerical models to interpret laboratory measurements, quantify the controlling mechanisms of multiphase transport, and establish relationships among pressure, saturation, capillary pressure, and relative permeability. Required Qualifications PhD in Petrophysics, Geomechanics, Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geosciences, or a closely related geosystems discipline. Proven experimental expertise in high-pressure core experiments, petrophysical measurements (effective permeability, relative permeability, capillary pressure, porosity), or fluid transport phenomena. Deep fundamental understanding of fluid transport mechanisms in tight/unconventional formations (Darcy vs. non-Darcy flow, counter-current flow). Strong capability in data analysis, scripting, or laboratory automation (Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW). PhD must have been obtained within 3 years from date of hire. Preferred Qualifications Extensive proficiency with commercial compositional reservoir simulators (e.g., CMG GEM, ECLIPSE) and a proven track record of coupled geomechanics-fluid flow simulation. Experience or strong fundamental training in Geomechanics (stress‑strain relationships, fracture conductivity, or rock mechanics). Experience utilizing digital rock physics, image analysis, or CT scanning to evaluate multi‑phase flow displacement. Salary Range $65,000 Working Conditions May work around chemical fumes May work around standard office conditions May work around chemicals 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, international Occasional fieldwork as necessary Employment Eligibility Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you 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 finalist(s) 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 The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. 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