Research Associate, Chemical & Petroleum Engineering

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Position Overview

The Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Associate will report to the Principal Investigator and will work on the development and application of technologies to eliminate methane emissions in oil and gas operations. The incumbent is fully responsible for performing experimental work and simulation modelling to develop research deliverables associated with the methane emissions project. Deliverables include the development of experimental approaches, experimental testing of processes, analysis of results, statistical analysis of data. Experience in the analysis of data will be also crucial. Modelling of oil recovery process using thermal-solvent reservoir simulations (CMG STARS) with special focus on reducing emissions.

Research results will be documented in progress reports, journal publications and technical reports to the CFREF/GRI, requiring a high level of concentration, accuracy, and the ability to review own work and use professional judgement to move the project forward. In addition, the incumbent is expected to take a leadership role within the research group, including contributing to administrative and technical tasks, mentoring, and guiding other project contributors. The incumbent will be expected to apply for external fellowships and assist, where appropriate, with grant proposal writing with minimal supervision and direction. 

The main purpose and function of the position is to develop a commercialize chemical technology for eliminating methane gases from oil and gas operations. This will require experience in heavy oil recovery using solvent co-injection stem assisted gravity drainage processes with focus on reducing emissions, increased oil production, decreased steam-to-oil ratio and decreased energy-to-oil ratio. The incumbent will stay up-to-date with the latest publications and science within the field, developing analysis tools as required for analysis of data. The Research Associate will record findings to collaborate on publications within the field of the research in both national and international levels. 

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• The incumbent will develop new commercializable techniques for reducing methane emissions in oil and gas operations.
• Collaborative research within CFREF/GRI, particularly on the emissions reductions project.
• Disseminate and present results to industry, scientific audiences, and the public.
• Prepare and write technical papers, journal publications and reports.
• Prepare progress reports for CFREF/GRI.
• Take on a leadership role in the research group, including contributing to administrative and technical tasks.
• Apply for external fellowships and assist, where appropriate, with grant proposal writing and the membership of junior trainees.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• PhD in a chemical engineering is required.
• Postdoctoral experience is an asset.
• Strong simulation processing skills (CMG STARS).
• Demonstrated experience in heavy oil recovery using solvent co-injection SAGD with emission reduction, stem-to-oil ratio reduction and energy-to-oil ratio reduction.
• Familiarity with Rich solvent SAGD, VAPEX, SAVES, SAP, TSS-SAGD, ES-SAGD, SA-SAGD, emSAGP, EBRT, and post SAGD injections.
• Demonstrated expertise in emission reductions in oil and gas operations.
• Minimum of six years of research experience in solvent assisted heavy oil recovery processes.
• Demonstrated experience in modeling and experimental work.
• Demonstrated ability to write journal articles.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including oral presentation in conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within team environments is essential.
• Experience in the scientific method of planning, developing, reviewing and reporting experiments.
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork skills, strong organizational and excellent interpersonal skills as well as excellent time management skills are required.

Application Deadline:  May 9, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website . For more information visit Careers in the Schulich School of Engineering .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High , committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected] ).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.