Research Jobs: Senior Research Scientist in Geomechanical Modelling

Australia. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The Petroleum Resources Division is currently looking to expand and seeks an enthusiastic and motivated individual with expertise in geomechanical modelling. The successful candidate will work in close cooperation with established geomechanics /rock physics researchers as well as with scientists from other disciplines, but will be encouraged to develop into a position of autonomy, innovating and devising their own research plans. Responsibility and remuneration will be based on experience. Training and internal courses will be integral to the development of all applicants.

Based at the Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC) Laboratory, Perth, the appointee will primarily be engaged in research projects utilising geomechanical models. The appointee will work in a multi-disciplinary environment and will be required to integrate geomechanical models with rock physics models and experimental data.

The position will likely involve some or all of the following:

Adapting existing codes or developing new codes for coupled geomechanical problems.
Modelling of 4D seismic response during oil and gas production
Modelling wellbore stability in gas-hydrate bearing sediments
Modelling subsidence as a result of groundwater withdrawal
Modelling chemoporomechanical response in shales for wellbore stability prediction
Preparing papers and reports for publication plus presentations to sponsors
Work closely with other project scientists on integration of geological data into modelling workflows.
An appointee at Senior Research Scientist level would be encouraged to develop new research directions in geomechanical modelling.

Salary range: $75K - $101K

Selection Criteria

Essential

PhD in a field closely related to geomechanical modelling.
Strong background in solid mechanics and/or geomechanics.
Strong capability in applying numerical techniques such as finite element and finite difference
Expertise in software programming, including specifically Fortran.
Knowledge of writing codes for developing user interfaces.
Demonstrated ability in report writing and presentation of results.
Ability to work in teams or under limited supervision on one or more projects.
Desirable

Understanding of rock physics and poroelasticity
Expertise in hydrate bearing sediments or analogous problems such as frozen soil behaviour would be desirable.
Knowledge of chemoporomechanical behaviour of shales.
Candidates must write a paragraph against each selection criterion. Applicants who do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

Application

Position Reference Number: 2008/468.

To assist you prepare your application please read the information available at ‘Guidelines for Applicants’

You are required to include two documents (1) “A document Addressing the Selection Criteria” and (2) a “Resume or CV” including the names of at least two professional referees.

If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 301 509 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.

If you are unable to lodge your application online you can fax your application (quoting reference number 2008/468) to (02) 6246 4455 or alternatively post to:

CSIRO Careers Online
PO Box 225
DICKSON ACT 2602

If after reading the selection documentation you have any questions specifically relating to this position, please contact Dr Reem Freij-Ayoub ( Reem.Freij-Ayoub@csiro.au ).

Application deadline: 30 June 2008