The Reservoir Engineering Research Associate supports subsurface analysis for Underground Injection Control program, including CCUS, plugging & abandonment, OSR, pore-space evaluation, and long-term performance modeling. Fellows help build the workflow Louisiana needs to responsibly permit, regulate, and monitor subsurface activity under Act 458, while also supporting the NRTA’s financial planning and risk-based prioritization. Analyzes reservoir performance, CCUS storage behavior, well integrity, risk, and legacy-asset profiles. Supports plugging & abandonment prioritization, Mineral Board decisions, NRTA investment modeling, and CCUS permit evaluation. The Reservoir Engineering Research Associate strengthens Louisiana’s ability to manage underground resources safely, anticipate risk, and build a modern subsurface-governance system that protects people, operators, and the state’s long-term fiscal position.
Job Responsibilities:
-Model reservoir behavior related to CO₂ injection, pressure fronts, plume migration, and storage integrity. (25%)
-Support risk assessments for legacy wells, orphaned infrastructure, and offset-well impacts. (20%)
-Develop engineering-based profiles to prioritize plugging and restoration funding. (15%)
-Evaluate subsurface data to support Mineral Board decisions and Trust Authority financing models. (15%)
-Conduct field-scale analyses integrating logs, pressure data, production history, and geological characterization. (10%)
-Assist with decision tools that visualize subsurface risk, asset condition, and long-term stability. (10%)
-Other duties as assigned. (5%)
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a related field or a bachelor's degree and two years related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's Degree in related field; Petroleum, reservoir, or geological engineer; familiarity with migration, unconventional or conventional reservoirs, and wellbore integrity analysis; strong numerical modeling skills.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.