Knowledge Transfer Associate in Repurposing a UK Nearshore Oil Field for CO2 Injection and Storage

Fixed term: 30 months

Full time: 35 hours per week

The post is fixed term for 30 months.  This post is full-time (35 hours per week) based at CCS’s headquarters located within their team In Edinburgh, with visits to the UofE facilities as required. The post will be jointly supervised by CCS and the academic lead at UofE.

The University of Edinburgh (UofE) and Carbon Capture Scotland (CCS) have been awarded a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to repurpose a UK nearshore oil field for the injection and storage of biogenic CO₂. This innovative project will combine the academic expertise in CO₂ injection and storage at UofE with the dynamic energy and enterprising spirit of CCS to accelerate Scotland’s transition to Net Zero.

We are seeking a highly talented, independent and motivated candidate for a 30-month fixed term Knowledge Transfer Associate who will undertake research on how to repurpose a small, depleted nearshore oil production field into a permanent CO₂ storage facility. This will subsequently be used to permanently store biogenic CO₂ and facilitate the Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGR) that Scotland requires to achieve Net-Zero. 

Working jointly with UofE and CCS, you will undertake the geological and engineering feasibility studies required to apply for a ‘CO₂ storage appraisal licence’ for the candidate field and nearby areas. You will also progress the regulatory, geological and engineering studies to the required maturity level to potentially allow the conversion of the ‘CO₂ storage appraisal licence’ into a ‘CO₂ injection permit’, paving the way for the injection of biogenic CO₂ for geological storage within the candidate field. You will also make comparison with the geological features and licensing procedures of commercial CO₂ storage sites in Denmark, Norway and Iceland.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Relevant MSc or postgraduate experience in geoscience including rock identification, structure, faults, with expertise in subsurface exploitation of fluids in sedimentary rocks.
• Trained or skilled in the geological interpretation of wireline logs, seismic reflection interpretation and subsurface mapping skills and knowledge or experience of drilling process and technologies
• Proven ability to problem-solve and organise logistics, with proven ability to work independently and efficiently to set deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and proven ability to work as a member of a team.
• Experience of authoring publications in the peer reviewed literature.

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