Principal Research Scientist Reservoir Engineering

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The Opportunity

• Be a key member of the Reservoir Engineering team within CSIRO Energy
• Contribute to, lead and facilitate collaborative research programs
• Create a dynamic career path in this exciting role

CSIRO is one of the world’s largest and most successful publicly funded research and development organisations. We are committed to outcome-focused research that will generate economic, environmental, and social benefits. We maximise the impact we deliver for Australia by focusing on solving its greatest challenges. As Australia’s national science and engineering agency our innovation and excellence places us in the top ten applied research agencies in the world. We’re the people behind Wi-Fi, soft contact lenses and the Hendra virus vaccine – and we’re Australia’s leading patent holder.

CSIRO’s Energy Business Unit is seeking a motivated and forward-thinking Principal Reservoir Engineer to join the Reservoir Engineering Team.

The Principal Research Scientist – Reservoir Engineering will bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and strategic vision to collectively shape the future of our research endeavours that support Australia’s decarbonisation objective and energy security.       

As a key member of the Reservoir Engineering Team, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise relating to fluid transport and storage in porous media with a strong focus on laboratory-based research. You will also bring research experience specific to underground hydrogen storage processes and/or coal seam gas reservoirs.

Your duties will include:

• Contribute to the research direction of the team by identifying research gaps and future trends, and developing project proposals for strategic research to build CSIRO’s capability.
• Support the global competitiveness and ongoing development of the Reservoir Engineering Team’s experimental capability, by contributing original ideas and concepts for novel experimental investigations, and developing and leading relevant strategic research.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to emerging scientists.
• Communicate and promote CSIRO’s science through publication in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences.
• Generate new and leverage existing networks to build support for research proposals.
• Support the translation of laboratory observations into numerical models for reservoir simulation.
• Provide technical leadership and expertise to projects requiring extensive experience in fluid transport and storage processes in porous media and other expert domains as applicable.
• Other duties as directed.

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Salary:  AU$146k - $161k + up to 15.4% superannuation (pro-rata for part-time)

Tenure:  Indefinite

Reference: 95281

To be considered you will need:

It is highly recommended that you address the relevant Selection Criteria in your cover letter, in addition to providing your CV.

Essential 

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as Earth Sciences, Petroleum Engineering, Hydrogeology or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years post PhD experience or equivalent in the investigation of fluid transport and storage processes in porous media including significant experience in hydrogen underground storage and/or coal seam gas reservoirs.
• Significant experience in laboratory-based research, including the design and delivery of experimental studies and its translation into numerical models and application to real-world challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and undertake original, creative and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems.
• Demonstrated publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and/or reports, grant applications or inventorship on patent applications.
• Demonstrated track record of securing external research funding through government grants or industry contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate openly and respectfully and work collaboratively as a project team member as well as providing effective project leadership.
• A track record and willingness to mentor and support emerging scientists/engineers.
• Be recognised as a national authority in the relevant area of expertise and possess knowledge across a range of scientific disciplines.

Desirable 

• Experience in the development of mathematical models for fluid flow and storage in porous rocks.
• Proficiency in numerical modelling and programming, preferably with expertise in FORTRAN.
• Demonstrated experience in utilising commercial flow simulation tools to validate laboratory experimental data and conduct field-scale analysis.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and International Applicants. Visa Sponsorship may be provided to eligible candidates. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please provide your responses to the selection criteria in a separate section or as a separate document with your application.

Applications Close

19 March 2024, 11:00pm AEDT