Inorganic Geochemist (1107)

Aramco Services Company

Inorganic Geochemist (1107)

Research and Development - Houston, TX – Full Time

OVERVIEW: 

Provides professional advice and assistance in the resolution of substantial laboratory-related technical problems in the areas of geochemistry; petroleum systems and petroleum geochemistry; CO₂ capture and storage; hydrogen storage; or other applied geosciences disciplines associated with operational problems in exploration for natural resources. 

SCOPE: 

Perform advanced analyses on geochemical laboratory data, evaluations, studies and/or investigations to support R&D efforts in natural hydrogen systems and application. Have an extensive understanding of the formation and structure of magmatic and metamorphic rocks, aqueous geochemistry, and of the various processes involved in hydrogen generation, such as thermal decomposition and hydrolysis. Have working knowledge of analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry necessary to identify and measure hydrogen and the related effects on minerals. Design and conduct experiments that simulate hydrogen generation under controlled laboratory conditions. Collaborate with team members and employ subject matter expertise in advanced geochemical analyses to support hydrogen systems analysis. Candidate should be qualified and experienced in conducting routine and advanced geochemical analysis with minimal supervision. In addition, perform specialized laboratory functions to gather geochemical data and conduct analyses to support Aramco Americas R&D activities and the larger company goals on sustainability such as geological sequestration of CO₂ and H₂ resource characterization. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES: 

• Assist and advise lab tech personnel with laboratory experiments regarding rocks and fluids analysis for hydrogen systems research projects.
• Analyze and interpret compound data from the geochemical lab instruments to design new geochemical indicators for hydrogen generation and accumulation.
• Analyze and identify minerals and organic matter through microscopy techniques (petrographic microscopes, scanning electron microscope, electron microprobe)
• Analyze and identify gases using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IR-MS); gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Analyze and identify organic and inorganic compounds in aqueous solutions using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Analyze natural variations in the isotopic composition of elements that occur as a consequence of chemical and physical processes.
• Evaluate the hydrogen storage potential in subsurface reservoirs using adsorption/desorption analysis techniques applied to rocks and minerals.
• Develop knowledge of high pressure/high temperature experimentation.
• Develop knowledge of low temperature experimentation and modeling of aqueous geochemical processes.
• Support operation and troubleshooting of instrumentation and quality-check data obtained from this equipment.
• Conduct field work and operate field gas analyzers.
• Work with lab technicians and staff scientists to analyze advanced geochemical data, QC experimental workflows and document results and conclusions in high-quality technical reports.
• Identify and design best laboratory methods to be applied for rock analysis to investigate organic and inorganic geochemical compounds.
• Assist the science personnel with search of public references and data to improve existing technologies.
• Write reports and draft publications for external presentations using experimental results.
• Observe and maintain the highest safety standards in laboratory and regularly assist in safety inspections of the laboratory as needed.
• Explain analysis results to a multi-disciplinary research team and management.
• Use analysis software and Excel to compile data reports and assist in data manipulation and interpretation.
• Responsible for maintaining laboratory data in collaboration with research staff. Work with other data management/ IT staff as needed to align on data management practices.
• Work with vendors or external collaborators to as needed to support R&D research objectives for various petroleum geochemistry projects.
• Serve as a technical reference for laboratory technicians from other technical disciplines.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• B.S. Degree in Geology, Petroleum Engineering or Petroleum Geology.  PhD is geochemistry is highly preferred.
• Seven years (7) experience in a substantive industrial, technological or laboratory area relevant to the job’s assignment. 
• Expertise or working knowledge in the following is required.
• Knowledge of relevant laboratory and analytical techniques including scientific principles, calculation methods, design details, and codes, standards, and specifications.
• Skills in analysis of geofluids using pyrolysis, GC-MS, IRMS, MicroGC.
• Skills in the analysis of rocks using petrographic microscopes, SEM, and EPMA is highly preferred. Experience with adsorption kinetics and isotherms is highly preferred.
• Experience utilizing high pressure equipment.
• Candidate should be comfortable in working independently or part of a project team, frequent project presentation and travel to meetings at conferences and universities.  Must possess good work habits, a strong work ethic, and be able to adhere to company work hours, policies, and standard business etiquette.

BUSINESS CONTACTS: 

• Contacts as appropriate to his/her needs, all levels within Saudi Aramco and its subsidiaries and operating departments in discussions relating to specific technical problems.  In civil engineering applications, the incumbent has daily contacts with both Company engineering principals and with contractor engineers. 
• Interact with industry and academia through society activities, Joint Industry Projects, partnerships, and consortia. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: 

• Operates standard office equipment, including but not limited to:  personal computers, calculators, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc. 
• Reads and comprehends published, handwritten, and typewritten materials, company forms, and computer printouts. 
• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, and database functions in the Windows environment.   
• Travels to meetings, seminars, and to vendor offices in Dhahran, Houston and throughout North America. 
• The job requires the typical physical demands of a research center environment and is normally performed at an assigned global research center in Detroit-MI, Cambridge-MA or Houston-TX.  These GRC’s support research operations ranging from general laboratories to Pilot Plant and high hazard laboratories dealing with combustible gasses and liquids, hydrogen sulfide, high temperatures and high pressures.  The facilities will be ventilated and air-conditioned, well-lighted laboratory/office buildings that meets building, occupational health & safety and facility access codes.    

NO THIRD PARTY CANDIDATES ACCEPTED