Postdoctoral position – Alloy Development for well downhole sealing - KAUST

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology: Postdoc Positions: Physical Science and Engineering Division (postdoc): Material Science and Engineering (postdoc)

Location

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Open Date

Jan 12, 2026

Description

We are looking for a metallurgist to develop an alloy suitable for downhole sealing in the oil and gas industry. The candidate will be responsible for formulating, designing, and preparing an alloy that includes bismuth or other metals and materials known for their sealing properties, specifically for use in downhole wells.

Key Responsibilities:

• Formulate an alloy that works for sealing and P&A applications in the downhole.
• Characterize the Alloy for understanding the sealing mechanism.
• Test the alloy at rigorous conditions like high temperatures close to 200-300 °C.
• Field implementation: the prepared alloy needs to be suitable for direct field implementation

Compensation Package:

• Competitive tax-free salary
• Free on-campus housing
• Health insurance
• Round-trip ticket
• 22 days of annual vacation
• Additional benefits
• Remote work possibility

Qualifications

• Experience with Computational analysis (like finite element analysis).
• Experience with low-temperature soldering alloy, like bismuth or lead-based alloy.
• Scientific/research application development
• Work on a real-time application, preparing alloy for industrial application.
• Creep and Aging, a strong background on understanding the creep and aging behavior of metal alloys.
• Knowledge of industrial standards, like the properties and value required for low-melting-point alloys in downhole applications.

Application Instructions

Please submit:

• Resume
• Brief cover letter explaining your interest in alloy formulation.

Application Process:

• Applications must be submitted through PlutoEdu (https://www.plutoedu.com/form/792303222)
• Please do not send your CV to the Professor through email or your LinkedIn account. Candidates who do so will be excluded. 

ONLY SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED BY E-MAIL.