PhD position: Multiphase flow properties alteration in chalk reservoirs

The Danish Hydrocarbon Research and Technology Centre (Centre for Oil and Gas – DTU), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), invites applicants for a PhD position on numerical modelling of multiphase flow in chalk reservoir. Centre for Oil and Gas – DTU is established by the Danish Underground Consortium and DTU. As part of a national strategy on oil and gas, the research centre is an ambitious, targeted effort to improve recovery of oil and gas from the Danish North Sea.



Responsibilities and tasks

The positions will be an integrated part of the advanced water flooding programme with the focus on improving oil recovery in chalk reservoirs in the Danish part of the North Sea. The water injectivity in the oilfields wells poses a growing challenge. The reduction in injectivity can be due to a number of issues including chemical or microbial skin formation, plugging by particular matter in the injection water or precipitation of fines. In this context, the candidate is expected to perform fundamental and applied research on understanding of upscaling of multiphase flow on scales ranging from the core- to field-scale utilizing the results of MEOR/Solvent/Polymer core flooding experiments. For field-scale models, employing reliable macroscopic laws capturing the integral effects of reservoirs heterogeneity (e.g. fractures) on multiphase flow and reducing the computational complexity of modelling of coupled processes are necessary. To this end, reliable modelling techniques need to be developed and verified to integrate the key processes, and geo-models in the reservoir simulators.



Qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in engineering or other relevant areas;
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of multiphase flow and transport in porous media;
• Previous experience with devloping numerical codes for reactive transport models is highly advantageous;
• A good knowledge of applied mathematics, chemistry and geomicrobiology is very valuable;
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment as an independent researcher;
• Good writing and communication skills in English;

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.



We offer

We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.



Salary and terms of employment

The salary and appointment terms of the PhD position are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.



Further information

Further information may be obtained from Dr. Hamid Nick, hamid@dtu.dk.



You can read about the scientific basis for the centre’s activities here: www.oilgas.dtu.dk/english/Research



Application

Please submit your online application no later than 30 October 2017.



Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

 

• Application - stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project.
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement and names and addresses of three references
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English).
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here).

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.



All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.



The overarching purpose of The Danish Hydrocarbon Research and Technology Centre is to identify new technological and conceptual solutions that will enable increased oil and gas extraction in the Danish section of the North Sea. The research activities at the centre cover selected aspects of expertise: Reservoir characterization, Enhanced Oil & Gas Recovery Processes, Drilling & Production Technology Concepts and Production Facilities, Materials Research & Design. The centre will develop deep, new understanding within these disciplines with a line-of-sight to application. Located at The Technical University of Denmark research groups at the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Aalborg University and the Geological Survey of Greenland and Denmark will be affiliated with the Centre. When fully operational, the centre will employ and engage more than 100 people.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and scientific advice. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,600 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.