Researcher in Subsurface Modelling

Onsite
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

You will join the University of Derby as a RESCUE project Co-Investigator to contribute to the development and application of technical methods, workflows, datasets, and dissemination outputs relating to large-scale modelling of subsurface reservoir systems in the Southern North Sea. The machine learning subsurface modelling tool EMBER will be used within Petrel workflows to efficiently derive cutting edge subsurface porosity and permeability models from large scale 3D seismic and well datasets. The RESCUE team will then perform dynamic flow simulations for the Southern North Sea using MODFLOW6 and Flopy.

• Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, contribute to the development of new knowledge and techniques to the research project(s).
• Contribute to the determination of appropriate research methodologies for the project(s).
• Analyse research findings and determine the need for further investigation.
• Contribute to the writing up of research findings and dissemination through publications, tutorials, and/or conference presentations.
• Plan and manage own research activity and initiate research relevant to the discipline or research project.
• Undertake appropriate training and staff development.
• Provide guidance as required to other colleagues working on related research project(s).
• Assist and help informally students working in the same research discipline.
• Understand own development needs and formulate a personal development plan.
• Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Experience

• An appropriate level of digital capability with practical experience of applications
• Evidence of sufficient breadth or depth of research methodologies and techniques to work in research area, including experience with seismic reflection data, wireline well log data, and subsurface modelling
• Evidence of engagement in high-quality research activity

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Developing research skills, with the ability to creatively apply relevant research approaches, models, techniques and methods relevant to the project
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly both in writing and presentations
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues, internally and externally
• Adept in the use seismic reflection and wireline well log data interpretation software, e.g. Petrel
• Ability to use initiative and creativity to solve problems in a research context
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team

Business requirements

• Demonstrate competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University's core value
• Flexible to the needs of others
• Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality
• Able to take a flexible approach to work

Qualifications

• MSc and BSc level qualifications in a relevant discipline

Experience

• Experience of writing publications for journals and presenting research at conferences

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Analytical ability to facilitate conceptual thinking, innovation and creativity
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Jordan Phethean, Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences via

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via .

This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University.

The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI :

• Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
• You're under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
• You have a PhD level qualification that's relevant to your job
• You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation.

We are Disability Confident Employers, demonstrating our commitment to disability inclusion, and invite applicants to highlight adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes.

Further, we are committed to ensuring an environment which is trans and non-binary-inclusive for all our staff, students, partners, and visitors, and continuously review our policies, guidance and training.

When applying to join the University, you can choose your preferred title, including the gender-neutral title 'Mx'. We also ask our candidates if they would like to share their preferred pronouns. This is voluntary but demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity for trans and non-binary candidates. Once employed, you can add pronouns and preferred names onto our system.

The University of Derby undertakes anonymised shortlisting during the staff recruitment process. This means that, when shortlisting, panel members will not be able to see an applicant's name and will see an applicant number instead. This demonstrates the practical steps we are taking to remove barriers to recruitment by minimising the possible impact of our unconscious bias.

However you identify, we actively celebrate the knowledge, experience and talents each person brings. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds; therefore we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who will help our leaders and teams be more reflective of our student population.

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Achieve your academic ambitions, apply today at University of Derby.

How to apply

You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.

The University reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at .

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

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