Principal Geologist

Salary/Position Classification

• $120,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: Yes
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes

Purpose of Position

Are you ready to lead petroleum geology research and apply your expertise to some of the most important subsurface energy challenges facing the industry? Do you have the experience to integrate complex geologic data, lead multidisciplinary projects, and develop practical solutions for clients and stakeholders? We’re looking for a Principal Geologist to join our dynamic team at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC)!

Join the EERC, an international leader in energy and environmental research and a nonprofit branch of the University of North Dakota (UND), which gives our employees access to unbeatable benefits and tuition waivers. Learn more about the EERC at undeerc.org.

Be a part of cutting-edge research, engage with professionals who share your passion, and create work you can be proud of. As a Principal Geologist, you will contribute to the success of the organization by performing one or more of the following:

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage petroleum geology research and commercial projects from proposal development through execution and reporting.
• Conduct basin analysis, petroleum systems evaluation, reservoir characterization, and geologic assessments for conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resources.
• Integrate geologic, geophysical, petrophysical, and engineering datasets to support resource evaluation and development strategies.
• Provide technical leadership on subsurface energy projects, including carbon management, enhanced recovery, produced-water management, and related initiatives.
• Develop proposals and secure funding from industry, federal agencies, and other sponsors.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with industry clients, research partners, and government stakeholders.
• Present technical findings through reports, publications, conference presentations, and client briefings.
• Mentor and guide geoscientists and technical staff while contributing to the EERC's strategic research direction.
• Lead reservoir characterization studies integrating core, petrographic, petrophysical, geochemical, and geophysical datasets to evaluate reservoir quality, containment, and resource potential.
• Develop geologic frameworks and static reservoir models supporting hydrocarbon development, enhanced recovery, carbon storage, and emerging subsurface energy opportunities.
• Design and lead technical workshops, field courses, industry consortia, and technology-transfer activities that promote collaboration between industry, government, and research partners.

The EERC is recognized as a global leader in developing clean, efficient energy solutions. With a dedicated team, we collaboratively develop innovative technologies to power the world efficiently while safeguarding our air, water, and soil. Trusted by over 1300 clients in 53 countries, our mission is to provide practical, pioneering solutions to the world’s energy and environmental challenges. 

Required Competencies

• Business development skills
• Organizational leadership skills
• Organizational/prioritization ability.
• Excellent interpersonal/oral/written communication skills

Minimum Requirements

• M.S. in Geology, Petroleum Geology, Geoscience, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in petroleum exploration, development, or applied research, with significant experience in the Williston Basin.
• Experience with the regional geology of the Williston Basin, including the Bakken Formation, Three Forks Formation, Madison Group, and other petroleum-bearing intervals.
• Experience integrating well log, core, cuttings, seismic, geochemical, petrophysical, and production data to evaluate reservoir quality, resource potential, and field development strategies.
• Experience constructing and interpreting regional geologic frameworks, stratigraphic correlations, structure maps, isopach maps, and petroleum systems models.
• Demonstrated experience applying sedimentologic, stratigraphic, structural, and diagenetic analyses to reservoir characterization and resource evaluation.
• Experience with enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon storage, produced-water management, and other subsurface energy technologies relevant to the Williston Basin.
• Experience presenting technical findings to industry, government, and academic audiences.
• Cover letter outlining how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the position and highlighting relevant experience in the field.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15 years of professional experience in petroleum exploration, development, or applied research or a Ph.D. in Geology, Petroleum Geology, Geoscience, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience evaluating unconventional tight oil and shale reservoirs.
• Demonstrated expertise in the Bakken and Three Forks petroleum system, including source rock characterization, reservoir architecture, stratigraphy, and depositional environments.
• Recognized technical expertise within the Williston Basin petroleum community, evidenced by publications, presentations, industry leadership, or professional service.
• Expertise in carbonate reservoir systems, including depositional environments, diagenesis, pore-system characterization, and reservoir quality prediction.
• Existing professional relationships with operators, service companies, research organizations, and regulatory agencies active in the Williston Basin.
• Experience with North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) data resources, regulatory framework, and basin-wide development trends.

To Apply

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 5, 2026.