Job Description

The vacant position is for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the area of organic synthesis of novel functional compounds for use in oilfield drilling fluids and additives for making nanocomposite materials. Specifically, this involves the design and synthesis of novel, high activity and stability compounds for applications in oil recovery operations, especially in harsh environments (high temperature and pressure). The project is part of a Saudi Aramco-funded collaborative research programme in which Durham University will be developing synthetic organic chemical routes to new compounds. Initial work would be exploratory, developing organic chemical methodology, followed by scale up and application under laboratory test conditions, followed by larger scale collaborative testing and formulation.

Requirements

The candidate must have an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Organic Synthesis

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

1) Working with the Durham University project leaders to develop new organic additives to effect different effects in drilling muds, select and develop suitable synthetic routes, and carryout stability studies;

2) Developing suitable laboratory testing methods to screen the new additives for their activity;

3) Scaling up of successful compounds for larger scale supply for testing in partnership with our collaborators;

4) Providing regular detailed written reports of the work carried out and to take part in collaboration meetings with our project partners, and reporting results; 

5)Present research at national and international conferences.

6)Write, or assist with the writing of, papers for publication in international journals and conference proceedings.

7) Working with our collaborators to develop viable new products and treatments for oilfield applications;

8) Act as a senior member in the research laboratory, supervising junior research group members, and organising and assisting with the management of the laboratory.