Jobs: Research Fellows Geoscience – geothermal & carbon storage (tenure-track), Heriot-Watt University

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (source: flickr/ kyz, creative commons)

Alexander Richter 19 Sep 2018

Heriot-Watt University’s Lyell Centre of Earth and Marine Science and Technology has issued an invitation for applications for two research fellow (tenure-track) positions in the area of Applied Geoscience (Geophysics and Coupled Modelling).

The positions are to support our growing research activities in the topical areas of:

1. Geothermal Energy – enhanced geothermal systems, aquifer thermal energy
2. Carbon/Energy Storage – permanent storage of CO2; intermittent storage of e.g. hydrogen, compressed air, thermal energy
3. Subsurface Monitoring and Risk Assessment – with application to unconventional reservoirs, carbon/energy storage, geothermal energy, etc.

We are particularly welcoming applications from candidates who either have (i) a strong background in reservoir monitoring using passive geophysical methods or are (ii) experienced in using and developing an advanced understanding of coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in subsurface reservoirs across multiple scales by integrating laboratory and field data.

The new appointments will help to further develop Heriot-Watt University’s international leadership in laboratory, field, and simulation studies related to applied geoscience for low-carbon energy generation. The successful candidates will be expected to develop an independent research agenda as part of the vibrant Geoenergy research group, focussed on understanding, quantifying, and modelling the relevant geoscientific processes of deep reservoirs in the Earth’s crust; they will also contribute to post-graduate as well as a practice-oriented teaching in their respective field.

The successful candidates will have a strong academic track record, especially with respect to publications and securing independent funding. Geoscientists with a current private-sector or academic background are equally encouraged to apply. The new Lyell fellows will foster links between fundamental geoscience research and its practical application by government and industrial stakeholders, and is expected to take an active role in pilot/demonstration projects under development in the UK and worldwide.

The appointments will complement existing, and create new synergies with, existing staff at the Lyell Centre, the Institute of Petroleum Engineering and the British Geological Survey. A close cooperation with these institutes is expected, building on their world-class expertise in the fields of applied geoscience, reservoir modelling and characterisation, reservoir simulation, and reservoir monitoring.

It is also expected that you will contribute to teaching and supervision of students.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder is required to:

• Contribute to the teaching and learning programmes in the School, including supervising postgraduate research students.
• Develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own or joint research to contribute to the university’s research income.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects, making use of relevant research techniques and methods. Manage or monitor research budgets.
• Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media.
• Extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship to research and appropriate external activities.
• Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis.
• Collaborate actively within and outwith the University to complete research projects and advance thinking. Participate in and develop external networks, for example to identify sources of funding and generate income. Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making.
• Coach and support research students and colleagues in developing research techniques. Mentor colleagues with less experience and advise on personal development. May be expected to supervise the work of others, depending on research teams.

Please note this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Education, qualifications and experience

Essential:

• PhD in geosciences, reservoir engineering or related field
• Relevant research experience in the field of Geo-Energy / Applied Geoscience
• Evidence supporting emerging research leadership potential at international level
• Evidence of successful independent research income grant generation or active contribution to successful proposals
• First author peer-reviewed publications
• Excellent communication skills
• Relevant team-working,  interpersonal and management skills
• Effectiveness to identify and develop opportunities and take responsibility for managing these

Desirable:

• Experience of collaborative working with other research institutes at international level
• Experience of multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary working environment
• Example of 3* and higher first author peer-reviewed publications
• Evidence of teaching experience, ideally including post-graduate level
• Student supervision at MSc level
• A commitment to work collaboratively with staff of the Centre (HWU and BGS) and with other University colleagues
• Ability to represent the Centre and the University to an external audience

How To Apply

Any informal enquiries on these fellowships, please contact Professor Andreas Busch at A.Busch@hw.ac.uk

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on 17th October 2018

At Heriot-Watt University we understand that being diverse makes us better which is why we support a culture of respect and equal opportunity, and value diversity at the heart of what we do. We want to increase the diversity of our workplace to underpin a dynamic and creative environment.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University. For further information about working at Heriot-Watt University, please see https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work-for-heriot-watt.htm

• Minimum Salary: GBP 40,792
• Maximum Salary: GBP 48,677
• Amount of Travel: Moderate Travel

Source: Job Announcement by Heriot-Watt University

Alexander Richter

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