Location: Saudi - Dhahran

Job Status: Contract - 2 Years Min

Interview Date:  ASAP

Start Date: ASAP

Open To: All Nationalities

Job Overview: A world leader in the production of hydrocarbon based energy is building a leading "Unconventional Gas Team" and seeks a Petrographer to contribute to their advancement in unconventional gas exploration. Applicants should have 15 years industry experience, hands-on experience in carbonate and / or clastic core description, thin-section petrography and digital image analysis, including analytical methods. Working on a Tax Free, Expat Contract for a minimum of two years in an exciting and challenging role, you will be exposed to a great opportunity to become a leading Petrography specialist within the realms of Unconventional Gas.

The Company has committed to refocusing their business strategy with an emphasis on the development of natural gas. They are pursuing opportunities in unconventional resources, and as such are building a leading technological team of unconventional experts. As part of this commitment they have increased their exploration and production budget by billions ($) largely to develop gas resources and unconventional resource potential. Their objective over forthcoming years is to replace their current oil economy with a natural-gas-based economy. This is a paramount strategy and hence the importance of building a strong experienced "Unconventional Team".

The Company currently operate in excess of 140 rigs and plan to add an additional 37 rigs by the end of this year - predominately for natural gas. But with their commitment to develop gas and unconventional resources, the number of rigs is forecasted to rise extensively over the next few years. In addition, they have invested heavily in recent years in international R&D centres and research alliances to drive their technological advancements and to accelerate their deep-water and shale activities.

Responsibilities: Reporting to Unconventional Team Leader, the role encompasses many functions including:

• Working within multi-disciplinary project teams, provide timely and fit-for-purpose petrographic analysis, advice/input.
• Undertake microscopic and digital image examination of rocks (clastics and carbonates) in thin section, detailed description and analysis of mineralogy, texture, diagenetic cements, etc.
• Establish survey and sample collection programs.
• Conduct detailed petrographic investigations (CCA and SCAL) and report conclusions.
• Apply petrographic understanding/findings to depositional and sequence stratigraphic models, and support the reservoir characterisation process to assess the effect on reservoir performance.
• Analyze diverse datasets to upgrade stratigraphic interpretations, and assist the petrophysicist in calibrating rock attributes to petrophysical properties.
• Support and mentor co-workers in applying petrographical principles to support a wider integrated geological understanding.
• Develop and promote petrographical best practices across the Unconventional Team.
• Remain abreast of latest industry trends, practices and technologies in petrography.

This Unconventional Team will consist of geologists, geophysicists, petrophysicists, reservoir simulation engineers, geomechanic specialists, geomodellers, drilling/completions/stimulations engineers and many more. It is an exciting time to join this prestigious team, contributing to the major advancement of exploration for unconventional resources.

Preferences: The successful candidate will have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Geology (or a related science) essential. Advanced degree preferred.
• 15 years oil and gas industry experience essential. Preferably a good understanding of both exploration and development.
• Strong Geology and Petrography background essential.
• Strong knowledge of stratigraphy and sedimentology; proven experience of integrated petrophysical and geological interpretation essential.
• Proven expertise in carbonate and / or clastic core description, thin-section petrography, digital image analysis, including analytical methods (e.g. XRD, XRF, NMR, etc.) essential.
• Strong understanding of the nature of reservoir properties: lithology, porosity, saturation, permeability.
• Experience of evaluation of unconventional reservoirs based on mineralogic composition desirable.
• Previous experience working unconventional hydrocarbons plays desired (tight gas, shale gas, unconventional oil or liquid rich reservoirs).
• A sound understanding of associated subsurface disciplines (geophysics, sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology, petrophysics, and reservoir geology) desired.
• Strong reporting and analytical skills.
• Strong laboratory-based software skills essential (Touchstone, Petrog, etc.)
• Peer-reviewed, published scientific articles in petrography, reservoir geology, and / or unconventional plays a plus.

Package: In this senior level role, a highly attractive Tax Free Day Rate is on offer dependent on skills and experience plus bonus. In addition, a full Ex-Pat contract is available including premium housing, insurance, car/allowance, 2 flights home and much more...