Postdoc Constraining sedimentary and stratigraphic heterogeneity of the Rotliegend in the Groningen area

In your role as a postdoctoral fellow within the CrossScale project team, you will investigate the sedimentary and stratigraphic heterogeneity of the Rotliegend in the Groningen area. The study will be based on detailed analysis of core-scale data (sedimentological logs, core photographs, short-wave infrared spectroscopy data) that will be tied to well-scale data (well-logs, lithostratigraphy) and reservoir-scale data (facies models, well swarm analysis, geophysical characterisations). As part of the CrossScale team you will be embedded in the research group of Dr Johannes Miocic in collaboration with Dr Hemmo Abels (TU Delft).

What are you going to do?

Geological reservoirs used for producing or storing energy are heterogeneous. Characterising and quantifying geological heterogeneities is challenging because sampling scales (e.g., thin sections, plugs, cores) are different from the scales where petrophysical properties need to be defined (i.e., the scale of a grid block in a reservoir model). This gives rise to major uncertainties, especially in heterogeneous formations such as the Permian Rotliegend in the Netherlands subsurface, because reservoir models are used to investigate how geological heterogeneities impact engineering. A fundamental challenge is that current reservoir modelling workflows almost always underestimate geological heterogeneity and hence provide unrealistic uncertainty bounds. The unique database of the Groningen Rotliegend reservoir in The Netherlands provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop an efficient and scientifically-based methodology that allows us to represent the key geological heterogeneities in reservoir models through geologically-informed upscaling and better constrain uncertainties in model predictions. Such advanced geoscience research will enable us to execute future geoenergy projects safely and sustainably, and is needed to earn trust among different stakeholders and societal actors. The CrossScale project, which is part of the DeepNL programme funded by the Dutch Research Council, hence aims to bridge across scales and disciplines to develop a new upscaling methodology for better reservoir models and provide a new deliberation approach that improves the communication between scientists and societal stakeholders.

We are looking for creative, motivated, and determined candidates, who meet the following requirements:

• A background in geology or geomorphology and a PhD degree in sedimentology, stratigraphy or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with sedimentary observations and interpretations.
• Experience with integrating core-scale data (stratigraphic section / core log) to field-scale data (full outcrop / reservoir zone) is preferred.
• First-hand experience with digital logging tools (such as WellCAD, Techlog,..) and 3D modelling software (such as Petrel) can be an advantage.
• A publication record that is at pace with the moment in your career showcasing your ability to publish in international, peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Experience supervising BSc and MSc students is an advantage.
• A proactive and motivated approach to identifying research opportunities and contributing to the success of the project and team.

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse. 

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Johannes Miocic (Assistant Professor): j.m.miocic@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Johannes Miocic (Assistant Professor): j.m.miocic@rug.nl