[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD position available at Memorial University in the sub-seismic composition and architecture of clastic sedimentary CO2 storage targets, Offshore Newfoundland

[Lowe, David George]

Applications for an exciting fully funded 4-year PhD in clastic sedimentology, stratigraphy, and reservoir characterization are currently being accepted as part of a larger collaborative effort between the Department of Earth Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering at Memorial University to define the CO2 storage potential in the Grand Banks region, offshore Newfoundland. The proposed project will constrain the sub-meter-scale details of reservoir heterogeneity of potential syn- and/or post-rift clastic CO2 reservoirs in the Jeanne d’Arc Basin as part of an effort to develop realistic reservoir models.

The candidate will develop a comprehensive understanding of stratal architecture of clastic reservoirs offshore Newfoundland, including targets of terrestrial, shallow marine, and submarine paleoenvironments. Where possible, core, cuttings, well log data, and seismic constraints will be used to assess and define paleoenvironments and the distribution of key facies architectures (e.g., channels, lobes). As the size of these features is below the scale of seismic resolution, but nonetheless important for understanding reservoir heterogeneity and connectivity, the candidate will seek out and study analogue outcrops of similar age, basin setting, and paleoenvironment to develop 3D models of facies architecture. They will then interpret these architectures with respect to the geomorphic evolution of macroforms, and link facies architecture to sedimentary processes as a way to build predictive reservoir models of analogous CO2 storage targets in the subsurface of the Grand Banks.

The results will serve as important input constraints of sub-seismic reservoir net-to-gross volumes, reservoir heterogeneity and connectivity for static and dynamic CO2 storage reservoir models in the Jeanne d’Arc Basin, developed in collaboration with geophysicists and reservoir engineers at Memorial University. The candidate will also provide oversight and/or conduct represented core sampling from subsurface targets and/or outcrop analogues for reservoir simulation at the EOR Lab at Memorial University. The candidate will also develop detailed 3D facies architectural models that will advance the study of clastic sedimentary environments and serve as a template for analogous reservoirs globally. A significant scientific contribution will be understanding how the studied sedimentary systems adapt geomorphologically to tectonic deformation, climate change, and sea level variations.


The ideal candidate will have completed an MSc focused on clastic sedimentology, and have experience logging core, outcrop, and in petrographic examination of clastic rocks. Experience with downhole petrophysical data, seismic interpretation, Petrel software, and drone piloting are considered significant assets. Interested applicants should email Dr. David Lowe at dlowe at mun.ca<mailto:dlowe at mun.ca> and include a link to download their CV, letter of interest, and any relevant publications.


David Lowe, PhD
Assistant Professor and Hibernia Project Chair in the Tectonics of Sedimentary Basins
Department of Earth Sciences
Memorial University of Newfoundland

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