Two-year Senior Researcher position in the field of geological energy and carbon storage

The department of Geoenergy and -storage at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) seeks a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our geological energy and carbon storage team in the Core Analysis Laboratory that has focus on investigating the feasibility of geological formations for energy and carbon storage.

We are working with energy and carbon storage in the geological underground and are currently experiencing high demand on our activities. Therefore, we are looking for a new colleague who can bring their expertise and advanced research capabilities to this emerging and expanding field in Denmark.

Job description

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting and designing laboratory experiments to investigate the behaviour of carbon dioxide and hydrogen in geological formations and analysing experimental data to determine the suitability of potential storage sites including assessing rock formations' structural integrity and the risk for leakage. The laboratory results are further used in computer-based 3D modelling and simulations.

The candidate shall work with development and test modelling approaches to simulate the behaviour of fluids in subsurface reservoirs, including assessing the potential for long-term storage. In addition, there will be focus on:

• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and policymakers to design and implement carbon storage projects, including developing monitoring and verification strategies
• Preparing and submitting project proposals to secure funding for carbon storage research and development projects
• Managing project budgets, timelines, and deliverables to ensure the successful completion of research projects

It is a part of the job to stay up to date with the latest scientific literature, attend relevant conferences, and participate in professional development activities to maintain expertise in the field. The candidate will be responsible for communicating research findings to various stakeholders, including other scientists, industry partners, and policymakers, through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and reports.

It is expected that the candidate is interested in – and capable of – developing the research environment within energy and carbon storage in the department and with the laboratory, as well as other departments at GEUS. The candidate will be leading applications and research projects as well as actively searching for new projects for the department. Therefore, it may be advantageous if the candidate is familiar with supervision of MSc and PhD students.

Your qualifications

You must have a research background and PhD in geology, geoengineering, geochemistry, or a related field and be knowledgeable of the geological subsurface. You are well experience in laboratory experimentation and analytical techniques (e.g., Special Core Analysis (SCAL)) and core flooding experiments at elevated pressures and temperatures). You have skills in CO2 storage in both saline aquifers and depleted oil reservoirs. In addition, you are familiar with modelling approaches to simulate the behaviour of flow in subsurface reservoirs.

There will be particular emphasis is on the following qualifications:

• Research experience, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals, and experience in preparing and submitting successful project proposals for research funding.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project-management skills.
• Proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., Python, CMG, MATLAB, Eclipse).

Special consideration will be given to the candidate’s problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. You should have strong written and verbal communication skills in English, and if you do not speak Danish you must be prepared to learn Danish to an appropriate level within the first 12 months of employment.

Department of Geoenergy and -storage

The department of Geoenergy and -storage carries out research and research-based consultancy within energy and underground storage, organic carbon, mineralogy, and biostratigraphy. We also act as advisers to authorities and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities.

The work in the department is influenced by the UN's sustainability goals #6 (sustainable energy) and #13 (climate), which are reflected in GEUS' strategy. With the current political goal of CO2 neutrality and the green transition, a growing commitment in CO2 storage and biological carbon storage, energy storage and geothermal energy is seen in the near future.

There are currently approximately 25 employees in the department, including researchers, consultants, and laboratory technicians. The department includes two fully equipped internal laboratories: the Core Analysis Laboratory and the Laboratory for Organic Carbon (LOK).

We offer

• A creative and interdisciplinary research environment
• A lively and informal working environment with talented and dedicated colleagues
• Versatile work duties and good opportunities to influence them
• Development opportunities with access to courses and other further education
• Family friendly workplace with flexible hours
• An active social environment, with a staff association and art society
• Fitness centre with physiotherapy at the workplace

Salary and conditions of employment

In accordance with the collective agreements between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the relevant eligible trade union.
The appointment area is the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and its institutions.
The Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities considers diversity to be an asset and invites anybody interested, regardless of gender, age, religion, or ethnicity to apply for the position.

Further information

Please contact the Head of Department Charlotta Lüthje on tel. +45 91 33 39 74, e-mail: [email protected].

International applicants can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS’ website:

http://eng.geus.dk/about/jobs/

Application

The application must include a letter of motivation, a CV, a list of publications with a separate indication of journal papers that are registered in ISI Web of Science, copies of any individual publications of particular relevance to the position (max. 3), PhD diploma and, if relevant, contact details of referees (max. 3).

Please, send your application via GEUS’ website www.geus.dk under Jobs (Job og Uddannelse). Your application must be with GEUS no later than 12.00 midday (Danish time), Tuesday 12th of December 2023.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

The appointment procedure

An expert academic assessment committee consisting of one internal and two external senior researchers will make an individual evaluation of applicants’ academic qualifications, where candidates are deemed qualified or non-qualified in relation to the position advertised. Then an appointment committee decide which of the qualified candidates they want to call in for a job interview. The procedure is in accordance with “Circular on the appointment and assessment of academic staff at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland”, Sections 4 and 7.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk