Senior Researcher – Geophysics and Geomechanics


Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), which is a dedicated research center of the University of Kansas (KU), seeks a qualified candidate with expertise in geophysics and geomechanics to join the Energy and Stratigraphy Division. The individual who fills this position will lead geophysical and geomechanical evaluation on various projects coordinated by the Energy and Stratigraphy Division of the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS). The successful candidate will further the mission of the KGS by participating in and leading multi-disciplinary research related to subsurface resource definition in the state of Kansas. The individual in this role will interact with a diverse set of internal KGS staff and external collaborators.

Target start date is January 5, 2025.

About the KGS and KU:
The KGS is a research and service center at KU that conducts fundamental and applied research. Special emphasis is given to applications and insights for the State of Kansas. Within the KGS, the Energy and Stratigraphy Division conducts research on surficial and subsurface resources. The Energy and Stratigraphy Division comprises approximately 25 individuals including full-time researchers and scientists, technical support personnel, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. The Energy and Stratigraphy Division assembles technical information and conducts scientific studies leading to an improved understanding of Kansas’ stratigraphic and energy resources.

The KGS is located on the KU campus amidst the rolling hills of Lawrence, Kansas. KU is an international, R1 research university, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and Big 12 conference, and the flagship university for the state of Kansas. KU has a subsurface energy and stratigraphic research community spread across campus with many opportunities for collaboration, including with the Departments of Geology; Geography and Atmospheric Science; Civil, Petroleum, and Environmental Engineering; Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; and the Kansas Biological Survey. Lawrence is an eclectic town of ~100,000 people along the banks of the beautiful Kansas River with an excellent cultural scene, historic downtown, cutting-edge library, farmers market, and many delicious restaurants. Outdoor opportunities around town including biking, hiking, and boating.

Job Description

(75%) Conduct geophysical analysis for subsurface evaluations in Kansas
  • Generate 2D and 3D seismic interpretation
  • Provide seismic well ties and interval velocity analyses
  • Conduct poststack processing of seismic data for image and attribute enhancement
  • Develop regional stress field evaluations for regional and sub-regional areas of interest
  • Evaluate seal integrity and seal capacity screening and thresholds based on sparse and imprecise datasets
  • Evaluate and integrate formation pressure data from drillstem tests, wireline tools (e.g., RFT), and dynamic simulations
  • Assist with designing research, drilling, and wireline programs
  • Build and QC datasets from regional databases and be willing to manually interpret and load data when necessary
(15%) Energy Research Program Development
  • Identify external grant opportunities and lead proposal submissions as PI or Co-PI
  • Present results of research to stakeholders
  • Author and co-author publications in peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed venues
(10%) KGS Program Service
  • Participate in KGS research programs
  • Prepare abstracts and presentations to report results and promote the KGS
  • Represent KGS at professional events

Required Qualifications

  1. Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, or Geoscience.
  2. 10 years of experience with an oil and gas producer or research laboratory.
  3. Demonstrated strong organizational skills managing projects as evidenced by application material.
  4. Documented experience working with industry software (TechLog and Petrel or equivalents).
  5. Demonstrated experience working independently as part of a collaborative research team as evidenced by application material.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Work experience performing petrophysical evaluations and demonstrated ability to integrate conventional and sidewall core data as evidenced by application material.
  2. Work experience mentoring early and mid-career colleagues and teaching undergraduate and graduate level seismic interpretation and subsurface integration courses as evidenced by application material.
  3. Work experience indicating familiarity with US midcontinent geology as evidenced by application material.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete online application consists of:
  1. Cover letter detailing how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications (not to exceed 3 pages)
  2. C.V.
  3. Contact information for 3 professional references
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2024, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. Target start date is January 5, 2025.

Contact Information to Applicants

For additional information contact Brendan Bream, bbream@ku.edu.
For HR questions contact Annette Delaney, adelaney@ku.edu, 785-864-2152.

Advertised Salary Range

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Schedule

8-5, M-F

Application Review Begins

Friday November 15, 2024

Anticipated Start Date

Sunday January 5, 2025

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Posting Information

  • Posting ID:  29224BR
  • Department:  Kansas Geological Survey
  • Primary Campus:  University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
  • Assignment:  Telework
  • Reg/Temp:  Regular
  • Employee Class:  U-Unclassified Professional Staff
  • Review Begins:  15-Nov-2024

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