Postdoctoral Research Associate

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• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan. 
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs. 
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure. 
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JOB TITLE:                       

Post Doctoral Research Associate - Energy & Petroleum Engineering, Multidisciplinary Advanced Stimulation Laboratory (MASL)

JOB PURPOSE:

The Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Wyoming invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support research and laboratory operations within the Multidisciplinary Advanced Stimulation Laboratory (MASL). This position is intended for a highly motivated researcher with strong experimental expertise and interest in subsurface energy systems, including hydrocarbon recovery, carbon storage, and emerging energy technologies.

In addition to conducting and leading research, the successful candidate will play an important role in supporting day-to-day research activities in MASL, mentoring graduate students, assisting with manuscript development and scientific writing, and helping strengthen shared laboratory capabilities and workflows. The position offers opportunities to publish in high-impact venues, contribute to proposal development, and help shape a rapidly growing experimental research program in subsurface energy.

• Full-time, 12-month appointment
• Initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding
• Desired start date: August 1, 2026 (flexible)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Conduct and lead experimental research in subsurface energy systems, with emphasis on laboratory-based investigations
• Design and execute experiments involving rock-fluid systems, geomechanics, EOR, and high-pressure/high-temperature conditions
• Mentor graduate students in experimental methods, data analysis, and research execution
• Support manuscript preparation by assisting with editing, organization, and submission of research outputs
• Contribute to proposal development and ongoing research activities within MASL
• Assist with the coordination of laboratory activities and the maintenance of safe and effective research practices
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external research partners

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geosciences, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience in experimental/laboratory-based research relevant to subsurface systems
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publication in relevant research areas
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative research environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Extensive hands-on experience with geomechanics testing, core flooding, rock-fluid characterization, or other high-pressure/high-temperature systems
• Familiarity with multiphase flow, reactive transport, or geomechanics
• Experience integrating experimental data with modeling workflows
• Track record of mentoring students or contributing to lab-based research environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

ABOUT THE LAB AND ENVIRONMENT

The Multidisciplinary Advanced Stimulation Laboratory (MASL) is a state-of-the-art experimental research facility focused on advancing subsurface energy systems through integrated studies in geomechanics, fluid dynamics, and reservoir characterization. Key research areas include:

• Unconventional reservoir systems
• Hydraulic fracturing and primary recovery
• Enhanced oil recovery
• Subsurface energy storage and carbon management
• Fluid-rock characterization and interactions across scales

The successful candidate will join a growing and collaborative research environment with opportunities to work alongside graduate students, faculty, and external partners, including industry collaborators and national laboratories. MASL provides a dynamic platform for developing experimental capabilities and contributing to impactful, real-world energy research.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 

In addition to the online application, applicants should submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (including publication list)
• Cover letter describing relevant research experience, experimental capabilities, and interest in the position
• Contact information for three to four professional references

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 5/31/2026 will receive full consideration. 

WORK LOCATION: 

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is at 7,220 feet above sea level. 

 WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS:

Work authorization sponsorship may be available for this position, however, sponsorship for H-1B work authorization or work visa is not available for this position. 

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:   

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email [email protected].  

ABOUT LARAMIE: 

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn  more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website. 

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/ 

Posted Salary Range: $55,000–$65,000