Research Associate in Lean Modelling of Petroleum Reservoirs and Surface Facilities

A fixed term post for 24 months

Salary £32,100 per annum

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to evaluate technologies and develop methods for creating reduced physics models of subsurface reservoir behaviour, wells, flowline networks and facilities These ‘lean’ models will:

• execute much faster and more efficiently than full physics-based models,
• have predictive capabilities over the full range of possible typical operations,
• allow identification of underlying causes of responses.

The aim of the project is to develop methodologies and workflows for generating such physics-based “lean” models and their automatic regeneration.  This post is funded by BP.

The project team combines expertise in numerical modelling from the Applied Modelling and Computation Group (AMCG), in geological modelling, porous media flow and subsurface applications from the Petroleum Geoscience and Engineering Group (PGE), in systems engineering (CPSE) and the application of these modelling technologies to oilfield operations and development from engineers at BP. The post itself is funded by the BP Exploration and Production.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across disciplines in the development of advanced, reduced order or lean physics modelling techniques and then applying those techniques to real oil industry problems.  You will be interacting with an existing substantial research program to develop novel computational methods for modelling and simulation of multi-scale, multi-phase flows in porous media.  The successful candidate will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary team members in the various groups at Imperial as well as with engineers at BP. You will also be expected to regularly publish papers in international refereed journals, and give presentations at relevant international conferences.

Applicants should possess a PhD, or equivalent, in a numerate subject area such as Mathematics, Physics, Computing, or Engineering. They should have experience in the use and development of numerical methods for the solution of systems of PDEs for fluid dynamics applications. Some knowledge of petroleum engineering, flows in pipes, fluid separation would be advantageous.

Both the Departments of Earth Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering are Athena Silver Swan award holders. They promote flexible and family friendly working practices. For more information see our web pages.

Informal inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Ann Muggeridge (+44 (20) 7594 7379, a.muggeridge@imperial.ac.uk).

Our preferred method of application is online via our website at the following link: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment (select “Job Search” and enter the job reference no EN20130175FH). Please complete and upload an application form as directed and submit any other relevant supporting documents such as your full CV. 

Should you have any queries please contact: Mrs Darakshan Khan via email: d.khan@imperial.ac.uk

Imperial Managers lead by example.

Closing date: 9 June 2013

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.  We are also an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Two Ticks Employer