Job vacancies:
PhD studentship
Dolomitisation of Turonian Carbonates, Jeffara Escarpment, Tunisia
Dr Cathy Hollis (Senior Lecturer in Petrophysics & Petroleum Geoscience)
Dr David Hodgetts (Senior Lecturer in Reservoir Modelling)
Dr Stephane Bodin (Lecturer in Geology, University of Bochum)
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the Basin Studies and Petroleum Geoscience Research Group at the University of Manchester. The project will be sponsored by the North Africa Research Group (NARG), which is supported by 7 oil and gas companies. The principal objective of this study will be to conduct a sedimentological and diagenetic characterisation of the Gattar Member of the Jeffara Escarpment, Tunisia and reconstruct its architecture using a 3D geocellular model. The Gattar Member is spectacularly exposed at the top of the laterally extensive Jeffara Escarpment (>300km), which extends from Tunisia to Western Libya. It is composed of shallow water carbonates which in part have been completely dolomitised. The Gattar Member has not been described in detail but is a potential outcrop analogue for reservoirs that are under appraisal and production in Libya and Tunisia.
The project will integrate traditional field-based sedimentology and geological mapping with state-of-the-art digital outcrop imaging to describe the distribution of both depositional facies and dolomitised bodies within the Gattar Member. The fieldwork will also be used to conduct a rigorous and systematic sampling program for petrographical and petrophysical analysis. Optical microscopy will be used to constrain microfacies and describe the diagenetic and petrophysical properties of the rock. This will be supported by measurement of porosity and permeability and advanced petrographical analysis. Stable isotope and trace element analysis will constrain cement geochemistry and will be used to interpret the composition of the fluid responsible for dolomitisation. These data will be integrated to conceptualise the likely mechanism for dolomitisation and, alongside the geometrical data derived from outcrop, will be placed into a framework that reconstructs the distribution of dolomite and its impact on reservoir behaviour.
There will be the opportunity to present the results of this study to sponsoring companies and at international conferences. It is anticipated that a 3 month internship with Hess (London) will be incorporated in the project. In addition, short periods of study and stable isotope analysis will be conducted at the University of Bochum in Germany. There is also the possibility of collaboration with academic institutions in Libya. We are therefore seeking high calibre candicates who have some experience of carbonate sedimentology and diagenesis, either at undergraduate (MEarthSci) or postgraduate (MSc) level. Fieldwork will be undertaken throughout the project, for periods of up to 6 weeks, and therefore evidence of previous individual field study will be expected. A willingness to work away from the UK, in remote conditions, is essential. Knowledge of French would be valuable. Detailed and systematic observation and documentation is critical to both the field characterisation and the petrographical components of this project, and evidence of the candidate’s ability to create a quantitative, high quality geological database will be required. Training will be provided in advanced carbonate sedimentology and diagenesis, petrophysics and reservoir modelling as well as research methods and information and communication techniques.
For any further enquiries, please contact Cathy.Hollis (Cathy.Hollis@manchester.ac.uk). Applications should be submitted online to www.seaes.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply/ including a curriculum vitae and a short statement detailing your interest in and suitability for the project. Please note that for non-native English speakers an IELTS score of 6.5 is required. Applicants should be able to register for study with the University of Manchester on 1st October 2010.
Informal enquiries regarding other vacancies should be made to the North Africa Research Group, Dr Jonathan Redfern (Tel: + 44 (0)161-275-3773, Fax: +44-(0)161--306-9361)