Research Engineer/Scientist

Salary/Position Classification

• $60,000-$70,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

Are you a curious researcher or engineer ready to make a lasting impact on the future of energy production and environmental solutions? We’re looking for a Research Scientist 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 Research Scientist, you will contribute to the success of the organization by performing one or more of the following: 

• Work in strong collaboration with EERC subject matter experts, principal investigators, and EERC leadership to conduct laboratory analyses and interpret laboratory data to support research activities related to critical mineral and rare earth element studies; carbon capture, utilization, and storage efforts; improved production of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs; enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in unconventional and conventional formations; and subsurface storage of CO2 and/or rich gas. 
• Work as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to ensure that technical work is successfully completed on time, on budget, and within client expectations.
• Work in one or more of the analytical research laboratories in the EERC’s Subsurface Characterization group that focuses on petrophysical, petrographic, geochemical, and geomechanical evaluation of rocks and other natural and nonnatural materials. 
• Ensure that laboratory data and results are of excellent quality and integrated with the theoretical, modeling, and field components of related EERC research efforts.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and assist in regular review and updating of laboratory safety plans.  
• Work closely with senior staff, project managers, and laboratory staff to develop and expand the research-based efforts in the laboratories.
• Provide technical assistance on projects related to CO2 EOR, CO2 storage, unconventional hydrocarbon recovery, natural resource management, critical resource characterization and recovery, geologic and synthetic materials characterization, and the environmental aspects of energy development.
• Some travel is required.

The EERC is recognized as a global leader in developing clean, efficient energy solutions. With a dedicated team of over 200, 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

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective at project and task management in area of expertise.
• Knowledge of and willingness to learn about new technologies.
• Adherence to and promotion of good safety practices in the workplace and field.
• Experience preparing high-quality technical reports and documents and preparing and delivering technical presentations.
• Experience working in laboratory environment and ability to conduct lab tests unsupervised.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, geology, geological engineering, geochemistry, chemistry, or closely related field.
• 2 years of scientific research experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing applied reservoir engineering experimental work in an academic or commercial laboratory environment.
• Experience characterizing and evaluating subsurface media and/or fluids related to oil and gas production, EOR, and/or CO2 storage.
• Proven experience and proficiency in operating laboratory equipment and documented adherence to laboratory safety practices and QA/QC protocols.
• Experience in processing, interpreting, and reporting experimental data.
• Cover letter and resume/CV.
• 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 supports visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in petroleum engineering, geology, geological engineering, geochemistry, chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience conducting coreflood experiments, including relative permeability measurements.
• Proven experience performing rock–fluid interaction experiments such as miscibility and swelling behavior assessment, reservoir rock wettability evaluation, and interfacial tension measurements.
• Prior experience with PVT analysis and operation of advanced PVT cells for reservoir fluid characterization.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience with operating a GC-FID machine to perform crude oil compositional analysis via gas chromatography.
• Experience conducting geomechanical testing and interpreting results to determine elastic properties and rock strength.