Postdoctoral Research Associate in Densified Fluid Design, Rheology, and Reactive Flow for Superhot Geothermal Systems

About the Role

The Fractured Earth Laboratory and Microfluidics Lab in the Analytical Earth Science (EES-15) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to design, formulate, and experimentally validate densified working fluids for superhot geothermal systems. The research will support gravity-assisted geothermal concepts and related subsurface-energy applications by developing high-density fluids that remain stable, pumpable, and compatible with rocks and engineered materials under extreme temperature and pressure. The position is supported by sponsored research programs focused on advanced geothermal energy and will play a central role in establishing fluid-design and qualification workflows.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on formulation, screening, and optimization of fluid-only and fluid-solid hybrid systems intended for temperatures of 375°C or higher and pressures of 22 MPa or higher.
• Measure density, rheology, phase behavior, pumpability, dispersion quality, sedimentation, thermal stability, reproducibility, and materials compatibility.
• Identify formulations suitable for practical preparation, circulation, and scale-up.
• Evaluate heat capacity, fluid-rock reactivity, mineral dissolution and precipitation, secondary-phase formation, scaling and corrosion potential, and flow through fractures under closure stress and thermal cycling.
• Coordinate with geochemistry, geomechanics, thermodynamic modeling, AI/ML-guided screening, reservoir simulation, and field validation teams.
• Document reproducible methods, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present results at technical conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, geochemistry, materials science, applied physics, or chemical, petroleum, geothermal, mechanical, or a related engineering field.
• Education or research experience in fluid thermodynamics, rheology, transport phenomena, hydrothermal chemistry, or reactive processes.
• Hands-on experimental experience formulating or characterizing complex fluids, such as concentrated brines, slurries, colloids, particle dispersions, emulsions, drilling or completion fluids, or other multiphase or reactive fluid systems.
• Experience with experimental instrumentation, laboratory equipment, data acquisition, and quantitative analysis; experience with pressurized or high-temperature systems is beneficial.
• A record of peer-reviewed publication, including at least one lead-author article, and demonstrated written, oral, and collaborative communication skills.

Desired Skills

• Experience developing high-density brines, fracturing fluids, geothermal working fluids, drilling or completion fluids, heat-transfer fluids, or related high-salinity formulations.
• Experience measuring rheology, density, phase behavior, heat capacity, thermal stability, pumpability, or other thermophysical properties of complex fluids.
• Experience operating high-temperature and/or high-pressure rheometers, autoclaves, reaction vessels, flow-through systems, or comparable experimental equipment.
• Knowledge of hydrothermal geochemistry, fluid-rock reactions, mineral dissolution and precipitation, scaling, corrosion, or compatibility with metals, cement, elastomers, and other engineered materials.
• Experience with particle-laden fluids, colloidal stability, dispersion methods, sedimentation control, surface chemistry, or pumpability assessment.
• Experience with analytical methods such as Raman spectroscopy, ICP-MS/OES, XRD, SEM, DSC, thermogravimetric analysis, particle-size analysis, or microscopy.
• Proficiency in computational data analysis using Python, MATLAB, R, or similar tools; familiarity with thermodynamic, reactive-transport, molecular, CALPHAD, or AI/ML-guided materials workflows.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe and reproducible laboratory research, including preparation of experimental procedures, hazard analyses, chemical-compatibility reviews, and operating documentation.

Work Location and Schedule

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. The position may require 24/7 coverage, including shift or weekend schedules, with potential eligibility for shift differential pay.

Additional Information

The position is for a two-year term, with the option to extend for a third year based on performance and funding availability. U.S. and non-U.S. citizens are encouraged to apply, subject to eligibility restrictions. Outstanding candidates may be considered for prestigious fellowships. For more information, visit the LANL Postdoctoral Research Program website.

Note: Due to federal restrictions, citizens of certain countries are prohibited from accessing LANL facilities unless they are Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders).