Inorganic and Isotope Geochemist

Overview

The candidate will be a qualified and experienced lab geochemist for a position in Saudi Aramco’s Advanced Research Center (EXPEC ARC) to conduct research and expand existing analytical capabilities in Geology Technology Division. The position will complement interdisciplinary research to support upstream exploration, field development and production operations. Requirements for this position are demonstrated skills in the handling, preparation of geological samples for isotopic analysis using Multicollector-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS-QQQ) instruments. Extensive experience in the operation and handling of the MC-ICP-MS instrument (such as Thermo Scientific Neoma) is especially required. Skills in the quantitative interpretation of analytical data for the geochemical fingerprinting of fluids are desirable. The candidate should have excellent interpretational, report writing and oral communication skills, and will work closely with geologists, geochemists, and engineers on exploration and field development challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities

You are expected to perform the following activities as a lab researcher and team member:

1. Act as inorganic geochemist at the new lab facilities of EXPEC ARC, with major responsibility to guarantee a high-quality production of analytical geochemical data.
2. The initial period will comprise the set-up of specialized hydrochemistry equipment at the new lab facilities.
3. Act as researcher in analytical geochemistry for the Geofluids Team, developing and implementing ultra-sensitive laboratory techniques and analytical protocols in a research-intensive environment.
4. Evaluate and revamp standard laboratory procedures.
5. Prepare technical reports, provide presentations and recommendations to E&P geoscientists and management, and illustrate the business impact of technical results to exploration and field development.
6. Train and supervise less experienced geochemists and geologists.

Saudi Aramco EXPEC Advanced Research Center (EXPEC ARC) provides an unrivalled environment for creativity and innovation in the upstream sector by creating new opportunities to find, develop, and produce hydrocarbon resources, developing cost-effective solutions to meet Saudi Aramco’s unique upstream technological needs and challenges. It offers the successful applicant a unique workplace to further expand technical and professional skills underpinned by a strong commitment to training and personal development.

The Geology Technology Division (GTD) of EXPEC ARC is a multidisciplinary team of geoscientists, geochemists and engineers, with a focus on developing technologies to improve discovery and increase recovery of oil and gas. The candidate will join a strong research team spanning solid and fluid components in petroleum system, from source to trap. The candidate is expected to improve analytical protocols and to set up novel geochemical techniques to streamline existing E&P workflows.

Minimum Requirements

A M.Sc. or Ph.D. in inorganic geochemistry with a focus on analytical and instrumental method development for isotope geochemistry applications is required. A minimum of five years’ lab experience in the field of inorganic geochemistry, and preferably hands-on specific instrumental techniques (especially MC-ICP-MS) to perform compositional analyses and measurement of physical-chemical parameters on produced Geofluids such as oilfield water, and rock samples. A proven ability to participate in scientific collaborations with demonstrated skills in project management, and required experience in lab design, management and supervision of technical staff. Fluency in oral and written English communication skills is considered a given.