PhD Fellowship in Subsurface Characterization within Geosciences and Reservoir Engineering University of Stavanger in Norway

PhD Fellowship in Subsurface Characterization within Geosciences and Reservoir Engineering at the University of Stavanger, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering.

This PhD project is part of the National Centre for Sustainable Subsurface Utilization of the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS2030). The position is designed as a trainee appointment leading to a doctoral degree in the PhD programme in Science and Technology, specialization in energy engineering and geoscience. The research focus is on subsurface understanding and utilization, with an emphasis on improving knowledge of aquifer distribution and behavior in sedimentary sequences on the Norwegian continental shelf.

The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary project that links geosciences and reservoir engineering. The project explores how aquifers may be connected to hydrocarbon-producing reservoirs and CO2 storage sites, and how this affects the planning and operation of offshore industrial activities. Available regional aquifer reservoir models from Troll and Frigg will be used as case-study datasets to investigate fluid distribution, connectivity, and migration pathways. Planned work includes mapping basin-scale aquifer distributions and types, modelling the effects of CO2 injection on nearby producing petroleum fields, and developing a synergistic approach to oil production and CO2 injection.

The appointment is funded by the NCS2030 research centre, which receives support from the Norwegian Research Council, industry partners, and academic/research institutions. The position is available from 1 January 2027. The appointment is normally for three years with research duties only, or four years including other career-promoting work, depending on recruitment arrangements.

Applicants must prepare a project proposal of no more than two pages, explaining the problem, relevance, theoretical framework, and methodology. Independent and original initiative, together with methodological quality, will be strongly emphasized. During the first three months, the project proposal and progress plan will be developed further with the supervisors into a final PhD project plan.

Eligibility is aimed at candidates with a five-year master’s degree in reservoir engineering, subsurface geosciences, or seismic interpretation, or equivalent qualifications. Experience in static and dynamic reservoir modelling is an advantage. For admission to the PhD programme, both the master’s thesis grade and the weighted average grade must be equivalent to at least a B on the Norwegian scale. Good English proficiency is required, and international applicants may need to provide TOEFL, IELTS, CAE/CPE, or PTE Academic results unless exempt.

The position offers a PhD education in a large and societally important organization, an ambitious and informal research environment, free Norwegian language courses, access to wellbeing services, pension membership, and a gross annual salary of NOK 575,400 according to the State Salary Scale. The workplace is in Stavanger, Norway.

Application: Apply via Jobbnorge and upload the required documents: application letter, project proposal, CV, references, diplomas/certificates, Diploma Supplement and conversion scale if relevant, English documentation if required, and any publications or research outputs. Only applications registered in Jobbnorge will be considered.