At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team to model subsurface reservoir systems and tackle climate challenges.
- Company: University of Derby, a modern university committed to excellence and sustainability.
- Benefits: 47 days annual leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and flexible working.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong focus on personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate resilience while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in subsurface modelling techniques.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
RESCUE is a €1,000,000 international collaboration funded by Water4All and Horizon Europe to investigate the potential for offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) resources to mitigate drought during extreme climate events. An international consortium of researchers from the University of Derby (UK), University of Trieste (Italy), OGS (Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e Geofisica Sperimentale, Italy), University of Malta (Malta), and RudenAS (Norway) works across four work packages to improve knowledge and understanding of technical, social, legal and economic frameworks that underpin the discovery and use of OFG across Europe.
You will join the University of Derby as a RESCUE project co-investigator to contribute to the deployment 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. This is a part-time, fixed-term contract for 12 months.
About You
For this research role, you will hold a PhD or equivalent (pending or awarded) in a relevant discipline. You will have experience working with methodologies and techniques in subsurface reservoir modelling using seismic reflection and wireline log data. You will be self-motivated and able to work independently, as well as being communicative and an effective team worker. You may also have an interest in working with Petrel, seismic attributes, machine learning tools, and/or dynamic flow simulations, which are desirables for this role.
About Us
We have one simple promise to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK, achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research, and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 making us one of the top universities in the country, recognised for our outstanding student experience and outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious, we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career, with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days, inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Access to the Teachers Pension Scheme
- A suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support, including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and a comprehensive employee assistance programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high-street retailers
- Discounted on-site gym
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button. Closing date: Sunday, 12 July 2026. This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University. 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.
Researcher in Subsurface Modelling in Derby employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. With generous benefits such as 47 days of annual leave, access to the Teachers Pension Scheme, and a commitment to personal growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful research in a supportive environment.
