Open position @UNIS: Postdoctoral researcher in Petroleum Geology; geological controls onprospectivity of shallow reservoirs
ARCEx is hiring a postdoctoral research fellow in Petroleum Geology, with focus on multidisciplinary characterization of shallow reservoirs. The researcher will develop skills in characterizing critical parameters related to exploring and appraising shallow siliciclastic reservoirs on the uplifted Barents Shelf.
- Organisation: The Department of Arctic Geology of the University Centre in Svalbard
- Location: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
- Duration: 2 years temporary position
- Application deadline: 27 September 2019
About the position:
The work will focus on understanding the geological controlling factors that govern the exploration and production potential of shallow (burial depths of only some few hundreds of metres) Jurassic-Triassic siliciclastic reservoirs currently targeted by E&P companies in the northern part of the Barents Sea. These units have experienced significant burial and subsequent unloading, affecting all aspects of the petroleum system. The post-doctoral researcher is expected to contribute in understanding how these factors affect both the prospectivity and production potential of relevant discoveries. Some of the envisioned work tasks may include (but not limited to):
- Quantitatively characterize the trap types in the prospective area of interest, focussing on factors including volume, hydrocarbon fill, risk factors, retention potential etc.
- Quantify the spatial extent of sandstone injectites encountered in Upper Jurassic cap rocks in Svalbard and assist in an ongoing integrative study to study their genesis and impact on top seal integrity.
- Characterize fault zones within the reservoir units, utilising field analogues and exploration and appraisal boreholes where available
- Construct geology-driven numerical models to test sensitivity of various traps to for instance preferential leakage of hydrocarbon phase or the effects of multiple charge episodes.
- Contribute to ongoing ARCEx studies on regional cap rock properties and pressure development in the northern Barents Shelf.
- Digitally characterize relevant outcrop geometries and conduct, in conjunction with other ARCEx PhD candidates, synthetic seismic and CSEM modelling of these for a range of fluid-fill scenarios
The Post-doctoral researcher is expected to disseminate its findings to the scientific community through presentations at relevant conferences and the publication of several peer-reviewed journal articles. Furthermore, outreach to the general public as well as relevant ARCEx stakeholders is desired.
Requirements include:
- a Ph.D degree or equivalent in an appropriate field (structural geology, petroleum geology, petrophysics, geomechanics etc.)
- experience with modern industry-standard data integration and analysis platforms (e.g., Petrel, T7, RokDok, Agisoft) and data types (e.g., borehole data, 2D/3D seismic)
- strong publication track record
- personal suitability and demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- experience from Svalbard or other remote field areas, including strenuous hiking partly in steep terrain
- excellent English written and oral communication skills are required
For more information and how to apply, please refer to the full announcement.
