Assistant, Associate Professor in Geomechanics

Location: Based at Riccarton Campus in Edinburgh
Contract: Open-ended
Salary: £42, 419 - £60,022 (salary dependent on experience and qualifications)
Closing Date: 3 July 2022
Reference: 2154

Based at Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh Campus, Heriot-Watt University and the British Geological Survey (BGS) joined forces in 2015 to create a new research platform, the Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, to become one of Europe's leading centres for research and expertise in the earth and marine sciences.

The Lyell Centre promotes innovative research at the core of geoscience, marine and terrestrial ecology, computing, mathematics and engineering. Together with our colleagues at BGS, the Centre aims to create a world-leading research cluster bringing science and technology together to tackle major issues of natural resource and energy supply in a responsible and sustainable way.

Further information can be obtained at: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/research/the-lyell-centre.htm

We are particularly seeking candidates who have a strong background in rock mechanics, with a focus on the laboratory as well as the engineered reservoir scale and show an understanding of coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in subsurface reservoirs across multiple scales by integrating laboratory and field data.

You will help to further develop HWU international leadership in laboratory, field, and simulation studies related to geoenergy applications and applied geoscience for geoenergy applications, such as geothermal, carbon capture and storage or energy storage. You will be expected to develop an independent research agenda as part of the vibrant Geoenergy Research Group, focussed on understanding, quantifying, and modelling the relevant geoscientific processes of deep reservoirs in the Earth's crust.

You will have a strong academic track record, especially with respect to publications and securing independent funding. Geoscientists with a current private-sector or academic background are equally encouraged to apply. Opportunity to foster links between fundamental geoscience research and its practical application by government and industrial stakeholders and is expected to take an active role in pilot/demonstration projects under development in the UK and worldwide.

The appointment will complement, and create new synergies with, existing staff at the Lyell Centre, the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering (IGE) and the British Geological Survey (BGS). A close cooperation with these institutes is expected, building on their world-class expertise in the fields of applied geoscience, reservoir modelling and characterisation, reservoir simulation, and reservoir monitoring.

Essential criteria

• PhD in geosciences or a related field
• A proven track record in conducting high-impact research related to the geomechanical characterisation of geoenergy reservoirs
• A proven track record in successfully collaborating nationally and internationally (e.g. academic institutions, geological surveys, energy industry)
• Evidence supporting emerging research leadership potential at an international level
• Evidence of successful independent research income grant generation or active contribution to successful proposals (e.g. from research councils, the private sector and/or charities)
• First author peer-reviewed publications
• Relevant team-working, interpersonal and management skills

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of the UK academic system and funding landscape
• Existing collaborations with the BGS
• Experience in working with the energy industry
• Willingness to travel to represent Heriot-Watt University at a national and international level
• Experience of multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary working environment
• Evidence of initial teaching experience, ideally including post-graduate level
• Student supervision at MSc level

For informal discussions about the position please contact Professor Andreas Busch, A.Busch@hw.ac.uk .

Please contact Yvonne Constantino, y.constantino@hw.ac.uk should you have any difficulties applying or have any questions.

For more information about the role and to apply click on "Apply Now" button.