Position Overview
The Dynamic Imaging Lab (DIL) under the VP Research invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to the Manager, Major Energy Research Initiatives and the Co-director of the Geothermal Energy Laboratory, and with accountabilities to the scientific lead for the Dynamic Imaging Laboratory (DIL), the Research Associate will be responsible for the safe operations of the CT Scanner infrastructure in the newly created DIL. The DIL aims to provide unique imaging capabilities to the UCalgary campus as well as industry and government partners and boasts an ultra-fast CT Scanner (unique in Canada), 2 fast CT Scanners and SEM with flow cell capabilities.
The Research Associate will be required to aide in the development of models, completion of analysis and provision of scientific reports related to the model development for simulation of multiphase flow in porous media. The work is of moderate complexity and requires focus and attention. The work is independent while performing day to day duties and should reflect the objectives of the DIL. Frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders are part of the day-to-day work and require a high level of discretion, flexibility and integrity to ensure positive outcomes. There is a moderate impact of error and confidentiality issues. Knowledge of safe working procedures is required. The Research Associate will be expected to work 35 hours per week and may be required to work in the evenings or on the weekends, depending on the projects and experiments.
Position Description
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Develop algorithms for sub-pore modeling of momentum, heat, mass, and particle transport in porous media.
- Develop approaches to reconstruction of a porous medium by utilizing imagery at different scales (nm to cm).
- Develop methods for modeling of multiphase flow in porous medium. Models must be reliable, robust and be responsive to the changing needs of stakeholders. Accurate, comprehensive and concise use of the data provided is critical.
- Professional decision making regarding the development of models, the implications of parameter changes and the responsiveness to identified stakeholder needs is paramount.
- Produce means to do up-scaling of flow description based on numerical models of porous medium and multiphase flow in it.
- Enhance and expand teaching and research opportunities to achieve the overall goals of the research program through the development of specialized procedures, and equipment.
- The incumbent will be expected to act on implications of scientific results obtained (i.e. changes to current theories, operating procedures, etc.) and will be assisting in creation of the proposal and performance of the detailed design, documentation and implementation of complex technical systems under the direction of the scientific lead.
- Share technical expertise across disciplines for the purpose of advancing the field of research by preparing and writing technical reports and papers.
- Publish and/or presents pertinent research accomplishments or findings in internal and external journals or publications, which are reviewed locally, nationally and/or globally annually at a minimum.
- Support the scientific leads in the execution of integrated multidisciplinary studies.
- Coordinate graduate students conducting simulation studies through techniques related to the integration of data and simulation in a 3D environment.
- Provide technical support to other staff, peers, and students through thesis completion, support the learning needs of the students and all other activities that may be required.
- Under general supervision and direction of the scientific lead, develop and implement specific projects as they are identified within the guidelines of the research.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Dynamic Imaging Lab.
- Oversee the project processes to assure timely quality results, bring about success and accomplishment of the deliverables of the research program.
- Maintain effective and productive relationship with stakeholders to assess needs and offer solutions.
- Interact with stakeholders, collaborators, students and peers globally in the dissemination of research outcomes.
- Actively engage with and seek out clients both internal and external to the University of Calgary.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Phd in related field is required.
- Extensive experience with the maintenance and operations of CT Scanners, including working with the operating and reconstruction software.
- Five years of experience with modeling of multiphase flow in porous media.
- Solid knowledge of heat and mass transport processes in porous media as well as of electrical properties of those.
- Knowledge of unconventional oil and gas recovery processes is an asset.
- Ability to create and manage complex computational packages within multi-language programming environment (C, C++, Visual Basic, Python, Matlab and Java)
- Ability to run dynamic experiments.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite would be an asset.
- Proven organizational skills with an ability to schedule, set priorities and complete multiple tasks within specified timelines in order to meet deadlines.
- Must be able to work both independently and as a part of multi-disciplinary teams and be able to communicate and cooperate with team members, other disciplines, clients and stakeholders.
- Experience overseeing the daily activities of highly qualified personnel conducting experiments in the facilities.
- Demonstrated judgment and attention to detail to ensure reported outcomes of the research and services are reliable, accurate and robust.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for journal articles and presentations as well as relating the outcomes of services, and the business impact of the research program and the value of available services to other disciplines and potential clients.
- Excellent problem solving skills with a drive for results.
- Demonstrated professionalism, tact and maturity in handling highly sensitive and confidential information ethically and with discretion.
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the lab
- Interest in and ability to engage in business development activities to further broaden the reach of the facility.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2022
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
Additional Information
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.
To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.