Schlumberger Cambridge Research Centre (SCR), Cambridge, UK
Post-doctoral Researcher positions, Chemistry department. 23-month fixed-term contract.
£38,000-£42,000 per annum (dependant on experience and qualifications) + benefits
35 hours per week
Schlumberger is the world’s leading supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Employing approximately 110,000 people representing over 140 nationalities and working in approximately 80 countries, Schlumberger provides the industry’s widest range of products and services from exploration through production. SCR carries out fundamental and applied research directed towards new products and services for improving the efficiency of hydrocarbon exploration and recovery operations cost-effectively and safely.
We currently have two vacancies in our Chemistry department for Post-doctoral Researchers to aid the development of new chemical systems for the oil industry. Production of oil and gas is venturing into ever more hostile environments (high temperatures and pressures) with an increasing need for more environmentally friendly systems to be used in these areas. The successful candidates will join a multi-disciplinary team where they will provide novel chemistries and formulations to aid development of new technologies for the oil industry.
Post-doctoral Researcher in Applied Polymer Chemistry. Reference PDCRC.
The position is primarily a laboratory role that will focus on the synthesis and modification of polymers/co-polymers (both natural and synthetic) with improved or tailor-made functionalities such as the ability to form cross-linkable/self-assembling fluids and hydrogels. Duties will include developing strategies for, and performing, polymer/co-polymer syntheses and derivatising natural polymers using for example hydrophobic, hydrophilic, ionic and non-ionic reagents. In addition to synthetic skills the successful applicant will also be required to perform chemico-physical characterisation of polymers (e.g. NMR, GPC, SEC) and to characterise polymer fluids/gels via rheological analysis. A key requirement for the role is that the applicant will be keen to guide the project and develop novel ideas and directions that could be pursued. Applicants should have a PhD in Chemistry (preferably Polymer Chemistry or a closely related field) or a mixture of relevant academic and industrial experience.
Post-doctoral Researcher position in Reactions and Fluid Mixing. Reference PDRFC.
This position entails hands-on experimental work at SCR. Duties for this position include modifying and operating a low-pressure flow loop to study chemical mixing and polymer crosslinking during flow. Recording results with high-speed photography is part of the flow loop operation, and rheological analysis of fluids before and after crosslinking will be performed. Determining additional ways to quantify test results will be an important challenge for the experimentalist. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating the flow loop in a safe manner, and for documenting the results of each test so that the knowledge can be shared with other scientists at SCR and throughout Schlumberger. Applicants should have a PhD in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field. Experience with experimental fluid mechanics is required, and a background in chemical reaction kinetics will be extremely helpful.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English are required for both positions. No oilfield experience is necessary, however, as the successful candidates will work alongside experienced scientists who will provide domain knowledge and direction.
To apply or request further information please send a detailed CV to scr-recruit@slb.com quoting the job reference in the subject line. Closing date is 2 July 2012. The ideal start date for both positions will be in August 2012 or soon thereafter.
Schlumberger is an equal opportunities employer www.slb.com