The Department of Earth Sciences at Memorial University seeks candidates for a Chair in Petroleum Reservoir Characterization. The selected candidate will contribute, through geological and/or geophysical studies, to the use of petrophysical, seismic and geological/geochemical data to characterize reservoir properties, potential and change during production. The offshore oil and gas fields of Newfoundland and Labrador provide one of the natural laboratories for these studies and provide an opportunity to develop innovative science.

The position is open to be filled at the rank of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor. The position will continue as a tenured or tenure-track appointment when the industrial funding expires. Applicants must possess a Ph.D. and should preferably have post-doctoral experience.

The Chair is funded by Chevron Canada Limited for a period of five years, with matching funds contributed by the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador. Oil and gas companies operating in offshore Newfoundland and Labrador have a significant research and development spending obligation per regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping Chevron Canada satisfy this obligation. There may be opportunities to collaborate with the holder of the Chevron Chair in Petroleum Engineering.

The successful candidate shall also seek additional funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Chair program . This position could be filled at the Associate or Senior Industrial Research Chair level, depending on the experience and background of the selected candidate. A clear outline of the expectations for candidates applying to this program are given at the NSERC/CRSNG website (http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-Professeurs/CFS-PCP/IRC-PCI_eng.asp)

The successful candidate is expected to maintain a vigorous research program, sustain a strong record of peer-reviewed publication and external funding, advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, contribute energetically to the building of a basins group in the department, and support its teaching mission, including delivery of courses in petroleum geology.

Memorial University is the largest university in Atlantic Canada. As the province's only university, Memorial plays an integral role in the educational and cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador. Offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs to almost 18,000 students, Memorial provides a distinctive and stimulating environment for learning in St. John's (http://www.stjohns.ca/index.jsp), a very safe, friendly city with great historic charm, a vibrant cultural life, and easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities. For further information about Memorial, please view the website at www.mun.ca.

Applicants should send a curriculum vita, the names of three referees and a one-page statement of teaching and research interests. Copies of three relevant technical publications may also be included. Informal enquiries and formal applications should be addressed to:

Dr. John Hanchar, Head of Department
Department of Earth Sciences
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1B 3X5
Tel. (709-864-4850
Fax. (709) 864-4851
E-Mail: jhanchar@mun.ca
REFERENCE: VPA-EASC-2011-001

The deadline for applications is 1 October 2012. The successful candidate would be expected to start in the new role early in 2013. This position is subject to budgetary approval.

Memorial University of Newfoundland is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified women and men, visible minorities, aboriginal people and persons with disabilities. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Partners of candidates for positions are invited to include their resume for possible matching with other job opportunities and candidates eligible for NSERC University Faculty Awards are encouraged to apply.