Job Description

Job Category: Research
Degree Level: First Degree
:
Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Reservoir Engineering of Subsurface CO2 Storage
Salary: Grade 7 - 37,694 - 43,482
Contract Type: Full-time (1 FTE/ 35 hours per week), Fixed Term (12 months from 1 December 2025 - 30 November 2026)
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University
Detailed Description
This 12-month, full-time position is funded via a collaborative study with the British Geological Survey (BGS - Keyworth) and industry partners to investigate the behaviour of saline aquifers in the UK Southern North Sea during CO2 injection. The study addresses the evaluation of pressure propagation in the subsurface that may occur in adjacent areas during CO2 injection. The successful appointee will be based at the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering at Heriot-Watt University's Riccarton campus in Edinburgh. They will undertake dynamic flow simulation studies to gain insights into fluid flow and pressure propagation in the subsurface under a range of constraints being determined in collaboration with project partners. The successful appointee will join a growing team focused on integrated reservoir engineering and geoscience evaluations of subsurface low-carbon energy systems.
We are seeking a highly motivated, results-driven, and collaborative Research Associate to focus on understanding the factors that govern pressure dissipation due to CO2 injection, the impact on injection capacity and the integrity of the storage complex. This position is vital to our research efforts, and successful candidates will be responsible for conducting independent research, planning, performing and analysing simulations, reporting outcomes and insights, fostering collaborations, and engaging in outreach activities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:

• Undertaking research in subsurface pressure propagation during CO2 injection using leading industry supplied purpose-built software.

• Undertaking external collaborations.

• Working effectively as part of a research team in the development and promotion of the research subject.

• Plan and carry out reservoir simulation studies of CO2 injection into geological formations in collaboration with internal and external geologists and reservoir engineers.

• Contribute to and lead results dissemination, including to academic and industry project partners, at conferences and in the peer-reviewed literature.

• Actively participate in the activities of the wider subsurface low-carbon energy group at HWU

• Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the salary of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

We will measure applicants based on the essential criteria, not by the key duties.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
Qualifications

• A first degree (at least 2.1), MSc/MEng or PhD in Chemical, Petroleum or GeoEnergy Engineering, Geology, Geoscience or closely related discipline

Experience

• Experience in performing Reservoir Simulation calculations using industry standard software (e.g. CMG, ECLIPSE, PFLOTRAN-OGS) or research codes (eg MATLAB).

• Have a strong track record of publishing high-quality journal papers (as the 1st author).

• Fluency in Geology and Reservoir Engineering concepts.

• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Competencies, Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent IT skills

• Good report writing skills

• Excellent communication skills

• Good team player with good interpersonal skills

Desirable
Qualifications

• PhD GeoEnergy Engineering

Experience

• A proven track record of using commercial reservoir simulators to undertake research in CO2 injection and storage in subsurface formations.

Competencies, Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of PFLOTRAN-OGS

About Heriot-Watt
Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry.
Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.
Applications must be submitted by midnight on Thursday 16th October 2025.
At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Skills Required