Post-doctoral Research Associate / Research Scientist

The Center of Innovation for Flow through Porous Media (COIFPM) at the University of Wyoming is seeking multiple highly motivated researchers at all level of experience to join its computational research branch located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Our computational team is focused on developing state-of-the-art Digital Rock Technology (DRT) software platforms designed to reconstruct digital porous media from multi-resolution images and model multiphase flow and transport at the pore scale. The goal of this initiative is to bridge the gap between academic research and the needs of various industries for reliable predictions of complex flow behavior in disordered porous media. To this end, we strive to develop massively parallelized, GPU-accelerated, and machine-learning-supported DRT platforms that facilitate pore-scale multiphase flow simulations on previously unattainable domain sizes.

Successful candidates will be expected to integrate their skill sets into the DRT workflow. This will require close collaboration with a diverse group of experienced professionals such that project milestones are met in a timely manner. Novel research findings are expected to be published in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals. Team members have full access to advanced computational resources and well-characterized experimental data generated at the COIFPM — the world’s largest experimental research center focused on multiphase flow in porous media studies — located at the University of Wyoming’s campus in Laramie, Wyoming.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Perform innovative research and contribute to developing software packages in areas such as:
  • Modeling of multiphase flow and transport in porous media at the pore scale
  • AI-assisted multi-scale x-ray image processing
  • Physics-informed machine learning algorithms for porous-media applications
  • Linear algebra solvers and numerical methods suitable for distributed-memory systems
  • Develop and improve on massively parallelized GPU-accelerated computational platforms
• Communicate and interact with interdisciplinary project teams.
• Prepare research proposals, progress reports, and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at appropriate project meetings and scientific conferences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   

• D. degree in Computational/Applied Mathematics, Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering, Hydrogeology, Computational Physics or Geoscience, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Ph.D. students who demonstrate ability to obtain their degrees before the hiring will also be considered.
• Experience with parallel computer programming in a coding language, such as C/C++, CUDA, Fortran, or Python, using MPI, OpenACC, Thrust, OpenCL, or OpenMP.
• Relevant background in at least one of the following areas: computational fluid dynamics, porous media processes, applied mathematics, applied physics, image processing and computer vision, HPC programming, and machine learning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to publish high-quality articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Knowledge of pore-scale physics in porous and/or fractured media.
• Interest in highly collaborative research initiatives and preference for working within a diverse group.
• Exposure to professional software development practices such as software package management, unit testing, version control, and graphical user interfaces.
• Computational research experience outside of Ph.D. research thesis.
• Familiarity with relevant software packages such as OpenFOAM, COMSOL, ParaView, Avizo.
• Familiarity with reservoir engineering, geomechanics, fracture mechanics, or geochemistry.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The salary for this position is in the range of $60,000 to $100,000 and will be commensurate with relevant background and experience. The University of Wyoming also offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental and vision plans, life and disability protection, retirement plans with University and State contributions, tuition waiver, paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leaves.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: 

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: cover letter, updated resume or curriculum vitae, and contact information of at least three work-related referees.  Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

HIRING STATEMENT:    

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377.

ABOUT COIFPM:

COIFPM (https://coifpm.com) is the world’s largest experimental research facility focused on flow through porous media problems with applications primarily in oil and gas recovery and carbon utilization and storage. It is developed using more than $100 million in investment. The facility provides imaging and flow capabilities at atomic, nano, micro, and macro scales. Furthermore, it establishes a massive capacity for members to conduct numerous studies in parallel.

ABOUT FORT COLLINS:

Fort Collins, located 60 miles north of Denver, CO, and 65 miles south of Laramie, WY, is an essential part of Colorado’s front range. Fort Collins is routinely recognized by numerous publications as one of the best college towns in the United States to live and raise a family in. Home to many major employers, 50 parks with more than 35 miles of trails, an award-winning public school system, and a thriving dining and nightlife scene, there is always something fun to do, no matter the season. For more information about the region, please visit http://www.visitftcollins.com.