JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate
Department:
Earth Science and Engineering
Job Family:
Level B, Academic and Research Family
Responsible to:
Professor Martin Blunt and Dr Branko Bijeljic
Liaison with:
Academics, Research Staff, Postgraduate Students and Qatar
Carbonates and Carbon Storage Research Centre (QCCSRC)
Key Working Relationships:
Collaborators and colleagues, internally and externally
Campus location:
South Kensington
Length of Appointment:
36 Months
Summary of the post:
The overall goal of the post is to develop and transfer to Qatar new
reservoir-condition experimental methods for supercritical CO2
injection in carbonate rock that include in-situ X-ray imaging and
analysis.
The Purpose of the Post:
To undertake, disseminate and transfer international-class research that focuses on developing novel
methods for safe CO2 storage in carbonate rock by using state-of-the art methods such as in-situ X-ray
imaging and analysis. Multiphase flow during injection of supercritical CO2 in carbonate rock is a very
complex phenomenon affected by wettability and complex pore structure. Moreover, fluid-rock
interactions lead to alteration of pore space due to chemical reaction and its simultaneous description
with multiphase flow is is a highly challenging problem. To this end, the project involves the development
of novel experimental design and methods for pore and core-scale descriptions of multiphase
flow/reaction phenomena. The new technology consisting of several reservoir-condition experimental
rigs will be transferred to laboratories in Qatar, where some QCCSRC equipment will be hosted. The
research will be carried out within the Petroleum Geoscience section of the Department of Earth Science
and Engineering at Imperial College London (see www.imperial.ac.uk/ese/research/) and in laboratories
in Qatar.
Key Responsibilities:
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To undertake international-class research that will develop novel methods for safe CO2 storage in
carbonate rock. In detail, the research will involve:
Using state-of-the art methods such as in-situ X-ray imaging and analysis to study and
assess the importance of capillary trapping in safe CO2 storage
Using state-of-the art methods such as in-situ X-ray imaging and analysis to study and
assess the importance of chemical reaction and reactive transport in carbonate rock
Analysis of impact of wettability and pore structure on dynamics of multiphase flow and
reaction and assessment of the likely generic behaviour.
To play a key role in transferring new experimental knowledge to laboratories in Qatar, including
some QCCSRC equipment.
To disseminate the findings at conferences and in articles published in high quality refereed
journals.
To help supervise PhD and MSc students, supervising aspects of their work that are directly relevant
to the research goals of this post.
To liaise with the other research staff and students working in broad areas of relevance to the
research project and the sponsor.
To write progress reports and prepare results for publication and dissemination via journals,
presentations and the web.
To attend progress and management meetings as required and network with the other research
groups.
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key policies and
procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data Protection, Equal Opportunities,
Financial Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and
supervisors), Information Technology, Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and
Smoking.
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out on the
College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to undertake other
duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial College London is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principals set out in its Equal
Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and Disability Policy and all
other relevant guidance/practice frameworks
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess the following attributes:
Imperial Expectations
These are the 7 principles that Imperial leaders, managers and supervisors are expected to follow:
1) Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2) Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3) Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4) Deliver positive outcomes
5) Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6) Support and develop staff to optimise talent
7) Work in a planned and managed way
Qualifications:
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A PhD (or equivalent) in any of the following disciplines: Petroleum Engineering, Physics or
Chemical Engineering.
Experience and Knowledge:
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Experimental work on multiphase flow at the pore/core scale
Experimental work on reactive transport at the pore/core scale
Image analysis
Working with High Pressure – Elevated Temperature equipment
Relevant publications in high-profile scientific journals
Giving presentations at the international level
Skills and Abilities:
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Ability to undertake international-class research
A demonstrated ability for innovation and original research
Ability to work well within a cross-disciplinary team and attend team meetings
Good organisational and multi-tasking abilities
Excellent communication skills and the ability to write scientifically, clearly and succinctly for
publication
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Ability to formulate, plan and carry out a complex research programme
Ability to disseminate the findings at conferences and in articles published in high-quality refereed
journals
Highly motivated and able to quickly develop skills necessary to achieve broad project goals