Chemical Process Design, Research Associate

The Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory, housed in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, is hiring a Research Associate to assist in the management and implementation of an ongoing, field- and laboratory-based research program to study field brine geochemistry and conduct laboratory-based minerals extraction experiments from these brines. The role requires an individual with advanced skills in geochemistry, including high temperature/pressure rock-fluid interactions, thermodynamic modeling of geochemical reactions, big data analysis of industrial wastewater, and the synthesis of sorbents for selective extraction of minerals from brines.

The Research Associate will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist the project principal investigators with project management duties, including the supervision of project staff and personnel
• Develop a comprehensive library of oil and gas wells across North America using available commercial/public databases such as GeoScout, Accumap, and FracFocus
• Big data analysis of industrial wastewater and guidance in development of effective assessment techniques for evaluating the large-scale environmental impacts of industrial wastewater
• Work with project scientists and graduate students to develop a systematic experimental procedure for synthesis of chemical sorbents for selective extraction of minerals from field brine 
• Foster communication with industry, academic, government and non-profit partners, including involvement in periodic partner meetings, to facilitate progress and the flow of project information among the various partners
• Assist the principial investigators with the writing of research papers, grant applications, the preparation of reports, and the writing of other scientific documents as needed for the research program
• Present research results to project partners, the public, and at national and international scientific conferences and industry workshops

The position requires the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• A PhD in chemical/petroleum engineering or a related subject
• Experienced in big data analysis. Experience in big data analysis using commercial/public databases of GeoScout, Accumap, and FracFocus is an asset.
• At least 5 years of experience in high temperature/pressure geochemical processes, including rock-fluid interaction tests, sorption experiments, and thermodynamic simulation of geochemical reactions at subsurface conditions
• Design and optimization of chemical processes. Experience in designing chemical sorbents for selective separation of minerals from industrial wastewater is a plus.
• Proven academic accomplishments, as evidenced by publications and other research outputs
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Supervisory experience, and the ability to provide leadership in a team of individuals with varying skill levels and technical backgrounds
• A proven commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable work environment
• The ability to meet deadlines and work independently while contributing to several different research projects at any given time.

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement , this appointment offers a comprehensive benefits package found at: Faculty and Staff Benefits  and an annual salary range of $58,210 to $72,770. This appointment has a term length of seven months.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.