Researcher in Subsurface Modelling

RESCUE is a €1,000,000 international collaboration funded by Water4

All and Horizon Europe to investigate the potential for Offshore Freshened Groundwater (OFG) resources to mitigate drought during extreme climate events. An international consortium of researchers from the University of Derby (UK), University of Trieste (Italy), OGS (Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e Geofisica Sperimentale, Italy), University of Malta (Malta), and RudenAS (Norway) work across 4 work packages to improve knowledge and understanding of technical, social, legal and economic frameworks that underpin the discovery and use of OFG across Europe.

You will join the University of Derby as a RESCUE project Co‑Investigator to contribute to the development and application of technical methods, workflows, datasets, and dissemination outputs relating to large‑scale modelling of subsurface reservoir systems in the Southern North Sea. The machine learning subsurface modelling tool EMBER will be used within Petrel workflows to efficiently derive cutting‑edge subsurface porosity and permeability models from large‑scale 3D seismic and well datasets.

The RESCUE team will then perform dynamic flow simulations for the Southern North Sea using MODFLOW6 and Flopy.

For this research role, you will hold a PhD or equivalent (pending or awarded) in a relevant discipline. You will have experience working with methodologies and techniques in subsurface reservoir modelling using seismic reflection and wireline log data. You will be self‑motivated and able to work independently, as well as being communicative and an effective team worker. You may also have an interest in working with Petrel, seismic attributes, machine learning tools, and/or dynamic flow simulations, which are desirable for this role.

• Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, contribute to the development of new knowledge and techniques to the research project(s).
• Contribute to the determination of appropriate research methodologies for the project(s).
• Analyse research findings and determine the need for further investigation.
• Contribute to the writing up of research findings and dissemination through publications, tutorials, and/or conference presentations.
• Plan and manage own research activity and initiate research relevant to the discipline or research project.
• Undertake appropriate training and staff development.
• Provide guidance as required to other colleagues working on related research project(s).
• Assist and help informally students working in the same research discipline.
• Understand own development needs and formulate a personal development plan.
• Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

• PhD or equivalent (pending or awarded) in a relevant discipline

• An appropriate level of digital capability with practical experience of applications
• Evidence of sufficient breadth or depth of research methodologies and techniques to work in research area, including experience with seismic reflection data, wireline well log data, and subsurface modelling
• Evidence of engagement in high‑quality research activity

• Developing research skills, with the ability to creatively apply relevant research approaches, models, techniques and methods relevant to the project
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly both in writing and presentations
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues, internally and externally
• Adept in the use of seismic reflection and wireline well log data interpretation software, e.g. Petrel
• Ability to use initiative and creativity to solve problems in a research context
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team

• Demonstrate competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core value
• Flexible to the needs of others
• Committed to a high‑performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality
• Able to take a flexible approach to work

• MSc and BSc level qualifications in a relevant discipline

• Experience of writing publications for journals and presenting research at conferences

• Analytical ability to facilitate conceptual thinking, innovation and creativity

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development