Overview
Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Reservoir Engineering of Subsurface CO2 Storage
Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £43,482
Contract Type: Full-time (1 FTE/ 35 hours per week), Fixed Term (12 months from 1 December 2025 - 30 November 2026)
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE).
Detailed Description: This 12-month, full-time position is funded via a collaborative study with the British Geological Survey (BGS - Keyworth) and industry partners to investigate the behaviour of saline aquifers in the UK Southern North Sea during CO2 injection. The study addresses the evaluation of pressure propagation in the subsurface that may occur in adjacent areas during CO2 injection. The successful appointee will be based at the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering at Heriot-Watt University\'s Riccarton campus in Edinburgh. They will undertake dynamic flow simulation studies to gain insights into fluid flow and pressure propagation in the subsurface under a range of constraints being determined in collaboration with project partners. The successful appointee will join a growing team focused on integrated reservoir engineering and geoscience evaluations of subsurface low-carbon energy systems. The role requires conducting independent research, planning, performing and analysing simulations, reporting outcomes and insights, fostering collaborations, and engaging in outreach activities.
Responsibilities
* Undertake research in subsurface pressure propagation during CO2 injection using leading industry supplied purpose-built software.
* Engage in external collaborations.
* Work effectively as part of a research team in the development and promotion of the research subject.
* Plan and carry out reservoir simulation studies of CO2 injection into geological formations in collaboration with internal and external geologists and reservoir engineers.
* Contribute to and lead results dissemination, including to academic and industry project partners, at conferences and in the peer-reviewed literature.
* Actively participate in the activities of the wider subsurface low-carbon energy group at HWU.
* Note that this job description is not exhaustive; the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the salary of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and priorities evolve.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* A first degree (at least 2.1), MSc/MEng or PhD in Chemical, Petroleum or GeoEnergy Engineering, Geology, Geoscience or closely related discipline
Experience
* Experience in performing Reservoir Simulation calculations using industry standard software (e.g. CMG, ECLIPSE, PFLOTRAN-OGS) or research codes (e.g. MATLAB).
* Have a strong track record of publishing high-quality journal papers (as the 1st author).
* Fluency in Geology and Reservoir Engineering concepts.
* Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Competencies, Skills and Knowledge
* Excellent IT skills
* Good report writing skills
* Excellent communication skills
* Good team player with good interpersonal skills
Desirable
* PhD GeoEnergy Engineering
Experience
* A proven track record of using commercial reservoir simulators to undertake research in CO2 injection and storage in subsurface formations.
Competencies, Skills and Knowledge
* Knowledge of PFLOTRAN-OGS
About Heriot-Watt
Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research. The university has five campuses: Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia. It is Scotland\'s most international university with a large international student cohort.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system: a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the post; and a full CV. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Thursday 16 October 2025.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and to an environment where individuals are selected and treated on merit and abilities. We welcome applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information see the equality page and Inclusive Science Careers.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns, including part-time working and job share options.
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