Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Assessment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Potential in Saudi Arabia

Physical Science and Engineering Division (postdoc): Earth Science and Engineering (postdoc)

KAUST, Saudi Arabia

Feb 10, 2019

The ongoing accumulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere from various anthropogenic sources is a global concern. Fossil fuels are the primary source of GHG emissions and expected to remain the primary source of energy for years to come. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in subsurface geologic formations is recognized by various institutions (IEA, IPCC, DOE, etc) as an effective solution to mitigate GHG emissions that can be deployed at large scales. CCS may enable the industry to continue operating with reduced environmental footprint.

The objective of this project is to provide an assessment of CCS potential from stationary sources in Saudi Arabia. The assessment will include estimates of the separation, capture, and transportation costs, potential storage locations and capacity in deep aquifers, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, and others. A database for the current CO2 stationary sources with locations, rates and industry sector will be used. The project may also include feasibility studies of CCS using mechanistic modeling and simulation including uncertainty analysis and risk assessment.

Applications are sought for a 1-to-2-year postdoctoral fellow position. The position will include a competitive salary based on the candidates qualifications; other benefits include medical and dental insurance, free furnished housing on the KAUST campus, annual paid vacation, and other generous benefits. The candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team at KAUST and KAU.

The successful applicant will become a part of the Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC) at KAUST.

PhD in environmental science, geology, geoscience, reservoir engineering, or a related field. The candidate should be technically broad with experience in CCS evaluation and development, thermodynamics, fluid flow and transport in the subsurface, and familiar climate technology and policy.