Research Associate

Job Reference: 1180612 WASM: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering Join Curtin University for a ground-breaking opportunity in Underground Hydrogen Storage research! Ranked among the top globally in Mineral and Mining Engineering, Curtin University is at the forefront of technological innovation. We are seeking a dedicated Research Associate with expertise in Underground Hydrogen Storage to drive forward our initiatives in this pivotal field. As hydrogen emerges as a key player in the energy transition, both nationally and globally, Australia's potential to lead in hydrogen exportation is significant. However, compared with other fuels the volumetric calorific values in kWh/m3 of hydrogen is the lowest. Therefore, scalable, large-scale, and long-term hydrogen storage systems are becoming the centre of attention to underpin the hydrogen economy supply chain in Australia. This project focuses on identifying suitable depleted gas reservoirs in the Perth Basin, Western Australia, for underground hydrogen and compressed air storage. The outcomes will inform policy decisions and energy network modelling efforts, aiding in the region's decarbonisation strategies. Field geological data, well-logging data, geomechanics data from Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety - WAPIMS will be used to assess the in-situ stress magnitude and distribution, estimating the risks of the storage integrity in depleted gas reservoirs in Perth Basin, WA. Also, a north Perth Basin-wide static model that was created by the WA Geothermal Centre of Excellence (WAGCOE) will be also used. To be more specific, fracture and fault patterns and distributions for caprocks at potential storage sites will be examined using the existing data from public domain. In addition, more detailed underground hydrogen storage risks will be assessed and identified through our previous developed technical screening tool through project 21.RP2.0091 (https://www.fenex.org.au/report/enabling-large-scale-hydrogen-underground-storage-in-porous-media/). To be more specific, hydrogen conversion and contamination, storage performance, and well and infrastructure will be examined against our previous developed technical screening tool together with the Technology Monitoring Report published by IEA-Hydrogen-TCP Task 42 Underground Hydrogen Storage (https://www.ieahydrogen.org/task/task-42-underground-hydrogen-storage/). Reservoir pore volume using production history data together with thermodynamics such as Ideal Gas Law will be calculated. Geochemical solver PHREEQC version 3 will be used to model how much hydrogen can be stored to the given pore volume with pressure up to initial reservoir pressure. Last, the stored hydrogen mass and energy in PJ/TWh will be calculated. Your new role We are looking for a Research Associate to join our Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering in Perth. The Research Associate will work with world-class researchers at Curtin and industry leaders in Beach Energy, Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety to develop an underground hydrogen storage strategy, which will enable industry to assess the potential and feasibility of underground hydrogen storage in their assets. This role requires an experienced and resourceful researcher with strong academia and industry acumen with the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy. The role offers an exciting blend of academic research and industry-oriented technical expertise in the space of underground hydrogen storage. We are interested in candidates who are engaging leaders, with effective communication and interpersonal skills to manage multitasks with technical understanding of the challenges related to underground hydrogen storage. As the Research Associate, you will be responsible for: Identifying and ranking the physical properties that determine the hydrogeological, geomechanical, geochemical and microbial processes relevant to underground hydrogen storage and compressed air storage based on existing knowledge. Developing new models and existing simulation models to understand hydrogen-brine-rock interactions on reservoir integrity and hydrogen loss at subsurface. Developing new models to understand the hydrogen contamination through geochemical and microbial reactions together with existing data. Applying these models and existing data to deliver better decision-making to industry, building trust through a combination of technical and operational understanding together with efficient communication. Updating our current technical screening tool/risks assessment in risk identification and mitigation strategies in underground hydrogen storage and compressed air storage. Working within industry subsurface engineers and geologists to define and deliver hydrogen storage and compressed air storage requirements in a commercial environment. The preferred candidate will have experience in dynamic reservoir simulation. This position is based at our Curtin Bentley campus, candidates are expected to either be currently located in Perth, WA, or express a willingness to relocate. Please note: Relocation and sponsorship support will not be provided for this position. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Sam Xie, Senior Lecturer at Quan.Xie@curtin.edu.au. About us We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, and endless food options including a supermarket. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For more information about our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au Join us! To apply, please provide your CV and a cover letter to allow us to assess your suitability for this role. Applications close: 5PM AWST Friday 15th March 2024 What we offer Global Excellence: Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2023 rankings. Adaptable Work Environment: While our primary office is located at our Bentley Campus, we understand the importance of flexibility in today's work environment. Hybrid working arrangements are provided in accordance with business needs. Salary Packaging: Enjoy the perks of a generous superannuation contribution (17%) and customisable salary packaging benefits through Paywise. Competitive Leave Entitlements: Experience the added value of 17.5% Leave Loading, with the option to be paid out or taken as additional leave. Benefit from Parental Leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), Annual Leave (20 days), Personal Leave (14 days), Curtin University Leave (2 days), Study Leave, and Community Service Leave. Plus, access to Long Service Leave after 7 years of continuous service (65 days/13-week entitlement for full-time staff). Career and Development Opportunities: In line with our 2030 Strategic Plan, Curtin is committed to providing an inspiring, rewarding, and meaningful experience for our staff -empowering them to lead, innovate and strive for excellence. We provide staff with career and development opportunities, including access to various online and in-person training and info-sessions. Health and Wellness: Our on-campus Medical Centre prioritises Curtin staff and students. Join Curtin's Healthy Lifestyle Program, with up to 2 hours per week of paid time off to engage in University-approved healthy lifestyle activities. Explore Curtin’s wellbeing locations at https://tinyurl.com/mtyf3vad. Applicants should note that prior to appointment, any offer of employment is subject to completion of National Police Records checks, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction. At Curtin, we are committed to being a Child Safe organisation and this position may also require you to have a current Working With Children Check. If you have any queries in relation to this application process, please contact our careers team on 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1). Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.