Active Tracer Postdoc Position - Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

$61,008 - $87,000/Yr

Cornell University - Ithaca, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

Ithaca, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The Active Tracer Postdoc Position at the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering offers a unique opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to engage in cutting-edge experimental research. This position is a collaboration between Professors Patrick Fulton from Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Sarah Hormozi from the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University. The primary focus of this role is to contribute to the Department of Energy-supported Active Tracers project, which aims to develop an innovative 'active' tracer for geothermal reservoirs. This tracer is designed to selectively jam flow pathways below a specific temperature threshold, thereby enhancing the efficiency of geothermal systems. The successful candidate will be involved in the design and construction of a large-scale heated analog fracture flow system, which will facilitate laboratory-scale fluid flow and heat transport experiments. The project is transdisciplinary, requiring interaction with earth scientists, soft matter physicists, and materials scientists/engineers. Candidates are expected to have a robust background in experimental design and construction, particularly in high-temperature and high-pressure fluid flows, as well as experience with subsurface geologic systems, especially geothermal reservoirs or fracture systems. In addition to experimental work, the role includes mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, documenting research findings, and presenting results in scientific papers and reports. The project also emphasizes collaboration among a diverse team of researchers, including professors, postdocs, and students from various disciplines. The position is set to start on April 1, 2024, and will last between 12 to 24 months, depending on project needs and candidate performance.

Responsibilities

• Conducting experimental research and construction of a Hele-Shaw cell in crystalline rock.
• Investigating and implementing strategies for imaging/detecting particle transport in rough-walled fractures.
• Building an experimental apparatus to demonstrate temperature-dependent jamming.
• Building appropriate sensor systems for monitoring/controlling temperature and pressure.
• Collaborating effectively with the 10+ members of the project, including 5 professors, postdocs, Ph.D. and M.S. students, and undergraduates.
• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
• Documenting research and results in presentations and scientific research papers and reports.
• Organizing and submitting required regular project reports and presenting at monthly meetings.
• Interacting effectively across three departments in the College of Engineering including the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and Materials Science and Engineering.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in geosciences or engineering with demonstrated experience involving fluids and/or rocks.
• Excellent record of experimental design and construction.
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated independent, creative research.

Nice-to-haves

• Background in Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control theory for high-temperature, high-pressure fluid flows.
• Expertise in microfluidic fabrication.
• Knowledge of polymer science.
• Fundamental understanding of complex fluid mechanics.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $61,008 - $87,000 per year based on qualifications and experience.
• Full-time position with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
• Access to Cornell University's resources and facilities for research.