(Level A) $95,053 - $105,611 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.
Fixed term, full-time position for 3 years.
This postdoctoral role will investigate the impact H2–Cushion-gas–Brine–Rock interactions on static and dynamic properties of a reservoir and caprock, injection wells, and hydrogen storage. Working at The University of Adelaide Geo-Energy & Storage laboratory, the postdoctoral researcher will perform an array of static and dynamic (steady-state and unsteady-state) tests using coreflood facilities integrated with Linear X-ray ISSM and GeoSpec 12/53 NMR rock-core analyser to determine the scanning curves for capillary pressure (Pc), relative permeability (Kr), including their strong hysteretic behaviour.
The hydrogen consumption and alternation of transport properties of the reservoir rock due to geochemical reactions and fines migration will be investigated using chemical reactors integrated with coreflooding experiments at reservoir conditions. The tests will be performed for various reservoir conditions including pressure, temperature, mineralogy and brine composition.
The output of the research includes an extended database predicting relative phase permeability, capillary pressure and kinetics coefficients for geochemical reactions in the target geological formations. Another output will be a novel experimental methodology for lab UHS studies with the goal of creating the input into reservoir simulators.
To be successful you will need:
- A PhD in Petroleum Engineering or related fields, with an established record of publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Demonstrated skills and experience in core flooding experiments, and reservoir simulation.
- High level written and oral communication skills including the ability to author technical and/or scientific writing and present work in conference and review meetings.
- Interpersonal skills to work as an independent researcher and as a member of a diverse research team, collaborating toward goals, solving problems, and developing scientific ideas.
- Strong potential to secure nationally competitive grants for research initiatives.
GeoEnergy Research:
The University boasts one of Australia’s foremost research and teaching teams in the field of GeoEnergy, with a focus on fundamental and applied science and engineering research. The University and bp have signed a AUS$10 million agreement that will support GeoEnergy research, education and outreach activities into the geological storage of hydrogen and carbon dioxide over five years. Research funding provided under this agreement will support engineering and science-focused projects, whose research will focus on the safe and economic storage of hydrogen underground and the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide, and includes these post-doctoral research fellowships.
The bp sponsorship includes establishing a new Geomodelling Laboratory facility, operational by mid- 2025, which will be a centre for world-leading research capability that includes a purpose-built lab, experimental equipment and dedicated spaces for research, education, professional development training, and outreach. Facilities will include a state-of-the-art 3D crustal deformation rig, multiple 2D crustal deformation rigs, H2 and CO2 injection visualisation rigs, ‘desktop delta’ stratigraphy rigs and a large stream table.
A unique GeoEnergy and Storage Laboratory facility is also launching in 2025. This contains a CCS Coreflooding system with X-ray scanner, and an Integrated Facility for UHS Studies, comprising a hydrogen-compatible coreflood system, NMR core analyser, high-pressure drop shape analyser and hydrogen-compatible batch reactor.
The path to Adelaide University
We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.
Enjoy an outstanding career environment
We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.
It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.
Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.
We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.
In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.
Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs
Your division's broader role
The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance.
Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au
If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.
Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.
Applications close 11:55pm, 3rd April 2025.
The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
For further information
For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:
Mira Rajcevic
GeoEnergy Project Officer
School of Physics, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
Ph - 831 35323
Email - mira.rajcevic@adelaide.edu.au
You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.
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