Utløpt

Postdoc

Arbeidsgiver: IRIS - IRIS Energy
Stillingstittel: Postdoc
Frist: 17.10.2018
Ansettelsesform: Engasjement

To improve the recovery from petroleum reservoirs it is important to optimize the directional steering of the drilling. Placement of the well in the reservoir is a very important factor for the recovery of the reservoir. The process of directional steering the drilling according to the geology is called geosteering. Geosteering decisions are generally based on geological models. To make optimal decisions while drilling, it is necessary that geological models for the near wellbore region are well calibrated against measurements and that the uncertainty is quantified. The current work processes for geosteering suffer from shortcomings. (i) It is highly challenging to calibrate geomodels to deep Electromagnetic Measurements (EM) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) measurements for complex formations. (ii) There is a lack of flexibility in the current geomodels for support of structural updates and fast local updates. (iii) There is a lack of a transparent, systematic and consistent workflow for quantifying complex geological uncertainties in the geomodel and considering them when making geosteering decisions.

The primary objective of this project is to develop new methodologies for geosteering which address the mentioned shortcomings. The focus is set for statistically-sound ensemble-based data assimilation methods for continuous integration of measurements, built-for-purpose geomodel, and Bayesian optimization under uncertainty. The developed methods are tested in cooperation with industry partners on real data to ensure high-quality applied research.

During 2018 a first prototype of an interactive Decision Support System (DSS) for geosteering has been developed and applied to synthetic cases. The layer-cake model updating using the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF), and the decision recommendations have been illustrated within the DSS workflow. The postdoc employed at IRIS (part of NORCE) is expected to contribute to the core project team by further developing the workflow and improving its mathematical foundation. The candidate is expected to have good knowledge of applied statistical methods and understand challenges related to computational geosciences, e.g. parametrization of geomodels. While some skills can be developed during postdoc training, programming and experience with quantitative methods are absolute requirements.

The postdoc would be advised by Sergey Alyaev and Geir Evensen but is also expected to collaborate with other participants of the project and larger IRIS (NORCE) energy research team. Both advisers are based in Bergen, which is the expected work location. Work place in other NORCE Energy location (Stavanger, Oslo) can be potentially negotiated.

This is a 2 year position.

Please submit a one-page (or less) motivation letter explaining how you can contribute to the position.

Tasks

Post Doc position as part of a KPN project supported by the Research Council of Norway and industry.
Contribute to multidisciplinary environment at IRIS (NORCE).
Further improve geosteering workflows.
Experiment with advanced statistical data assimilation methods.
Develop better earth model parametrizations.
Publish and present research results.

Qualifications

PhD in relevant field of applied or computational science.
Experience in scientific computing.
Understanding of applied statistics.
Good social and communication skills.
Be able to handle challenges and responsibility.

Language

English

Personal qualities

Flexible and collaborative mindset.
Result oriented attitude.
Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team.

We offer

Working in a collaborative research environment including dialogue with both academy and industry.
Be part of a world leading research team within digital drilling.
Opportunities to present research on international conferences.
Further career opportunity at IRIS (NORCE).
Good working environment and flexible working hours.

Om arbeidsgiveren

From January 2018 IRIS is part of the research group NORCE.

NORCE is one of Norway's largest independent research institutes. We
deliver research and innovation in the fields of energy, health,
climate, the environment, society and technology. NORCE address key
challenges for society and contribute to value creation on the local,
national and global levels.

Included subsidiaries, the
NORCE group has 800 employees from around the world. The main office is
located in Bergen, and the group has a strong presence in Haugesund,
Stavanger, Kristiansand, Grimstad and Oslo.

Sektor: Privat
Sted: Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008 Bergen
Bransje: Forskning, utdanning og vitenskap
Stillingsfunksjon: Forskning/Stipendiat/Postdoktor