Postdoctoral Research Associate in Reservoir Engineering of Subsurface CO2 Storage bei Heriot-Watt University

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