Summary: The Subsurface Biogeochemical Laboratory (SBLab) at Oregon State University is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on multiphase flow and reactive transport in heterogeneous porous media. The research aims to understand how fluid interfaces, saturation, and pore-scale flow organization influence transport, mixing, and reactions in subsurface environmental systems.
The position offers the opportunity to work on advanced computational simulations or experimental microfluidic approaches, collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team, publish in leading journals, and present findings at international conferences.
Postdoctoral Position in Multiphase Flow & Reactive Transport – Oregon State University, USA
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Multiphase Flow, Reactive Transport, Porous Media |
| Institution | Oregon State University |
| Laboratory | Subsurface Biogeochemical Laboratory (SBLab) |
| Location | Corvallis, Oregon, USA |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
| Duration | 1 Year (Renewable based on performance and funding) |
| Salary | $65,000 per year |
| Application Review Begins | May 2026 |
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoctoral Fellow)
Research Area
- Multiphase Flow in Porous Media
- Reactive Transport in Subsurface Systems
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Microfluidics and Pore-Scale Experiments
- Environmental and Subsurface Processes
Location
Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- PhD in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geosciences, Physics, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in multiphase flow and transport processes.
- Experience in at least one of the following:
- Computational modeling using OpenFOAM or other CFD tools
- Microfluidic experiments for pore-scale flow visualization
- Strong programming, data analysis, and scientific communication skills.
- Demonstrated research productivity (peer-reviewed publications preferred).
Job Description
The selected candidate will conduct research on multiphase flow and reactive transport in heterogeneous porous media. The project will follow one of two pathways depending on the candidate’s expertise:
1. Computational Pathway
- Perform high-resolution 3D simulations of multiphase flow in porous media using OpenFOAM.
- Analyze saturation patterns, flow connectivity, and mixing metrics.
- Investigate pore-scale mechanisms controlling transport and reaction processes.
2. Experimental Pathway
- Design and conduct microfluidic experiments to visualize pore-scale multiphase flow.
- Quantify transport and mixing dynamics in heterogeneous porous structures.
- Integrate experimental observations with theoretical or numerical models.
Additional Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the SBLab research team and external partners.
- Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research at international conferences.
- Contribute to research proposal development and grant applications.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following as a single PDF via email:
Send to: lazaro.perez@oregonstate.edu
Required documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including contact details for three references
- Cover Letter describing research interests and alignment with the position
- One representative peer-reviewed publication
Last Date for Apply
There is no fixed deadline, but application review will begin in May 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible for full consideration.
