Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

Research Scientist - Rock Physics

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£39,869 per annum

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's centre of excellence for oceanographic sciences. We are a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community whose focus is on improving the world in which we live. Our work is balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one NOC’ approach.

We have a rich history dating back to 1949, and our future has never looked more exciting as we aim to be the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution.

About the role

The candidate will join Marine Geosystems, a dynamic team of geoscience researchers that includes expertise across Rock Physics, marine geohazards, seafloor resource characterisation, subsurface and seafloor fluid flow, and sedimentology, part of the Ocean BioGeosciences Research Group. We are looking to expand our rock physics capacity to continue developing fundamental and applied research into reservoir characterization and the complex rock-fluid-gas coupled processes occurring in geological reservoirs, when subjected to human gas injection/extraction activities (e.g., CO2 sequestration and hydrogen energy storage). The candidate will have the opportunity to develop their own research and to contribute to a host of funded fundamental and applied science projects with international collaborators that investigate subsurface physical and mechanical rock properties associated with geological CO2 storage, mineral carbon storage, H2 energy storage, and the characterization of seafloor mineral deposits and gas hydrates.

Underground gas storage is one of the most important research areas globally, as one of the key mitigation strategies for counteracting human-driven climate change. The NOC Rock Physics Laboratory is world leading in combining geophysical and hydromechanical data collection from rock samples at realistic geological conditions. These are essential for developing accurate numerical tools to predict reservoir behaviour during and after gas storage operations. The candidate will be integrated into our Rock Physics team, to further develop our research on underground gas and energy storage.

The role will include:

• Contributing to and leading research in the area of rock physics, rock mechanics and seismology.

• Contribution to and leading research proposals to research councils and diverse funding sources.

• Collaborating with other marine geoscientists and the wider scientific and engineering community across NOC to contribute to our wider scientific mission.

• Supervision of MSc and PhD students.

• Presentation of research results at project meetings and international conferences and publication of results in peer reviewed scientific journals and other materials (reports, models, data, etc.).

• Opportunities to undertake science at sea on the UK’s research vessels and to contribute to other international research projects.

About you

We are looking for an experimental rock physicist with expertise in routine and special core analysis techniques, petrographic analysis, rock mechanics and data processing (e.g., MATLAB, PYTHON) to underpin the performance of multi-flow tests to investigate complex rock-fluid-gas coupled processes occurring in geological reservoirs (e.g., CO2 and H2 storage).

The successful candidate must have a PhD in a numerate earth science discipline, with a track record that demonstrates substantial knowledge of exploration seismology and rock physics theory, proven experience in conducting laboratory practical work, excellent time management and organisational skills, and a future vision for research that is aligned with key research areas in Marine Geosystems.

Why the NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits including 28 days annual leave, plus 3.5 local closure days and 8 public bank holidays, and a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan.

We promote an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential.

The NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability and we welcome applications from ethnic minorities currently under-represented. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking.

The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below

We can support visa applications where required. For overseas applicants who are willing to move to the UK we may be able to offer financial support with relocation.

How to apply:

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [email protected] / 07590 805967.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

Date advert posted: 08/08/2023

Closing date:11/09/2023. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.

Assessing applications

All applications to the NOC are reviewed by a real-life person, not a computer programme. Attached to our adverts you will find a ‘Job Description and Person Specification’ document which clearly sets out the criteria against which applications are assessed. Once assessed the most suitable candidates will be invited to interview.

If you have been selected for interview we will be in touch to arrange a time and date. If you haven’t been selected for interview we will let you know, although we may not be able to give detailed feedback to every applicant.