PhD in Geothermal - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

Although shallow geothermal heat pump systems have become more popular to heat and cool buildings, deep geothermal wells (> 1 km) are rarely used in Canada to produce heat. Drilling of deep geothermal wells involves major investments and if productivity of the targeted unit is not adequate or water temperature is too low, the large investment required will not be profitable. An important limitation to the development of geothermal energy is thus related to the risk of technical failure. The objective of this research project is to use inactive deep oil and gas (O&G) wells for exploration purposes to demonstrate the potential for geothermal energy production in sedimentary basins. This PhD project will involve fieldwork, laboratory analyses and numerical modelling. This project will hence include the characterization of a few inactive oil and gas wells, of which some have been used over many years for brine extraction (thereby confirming the adequate formation permeability for fluid production), and the identification of geological units that could be considered for large-scale geothermal energy production. The targeted wells are located in the St. Lawrence Platform, where most of the population in Québec is located and in proximity to large potential industrial heat consumers.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 1,000 words (maximum)

Contact information for 2 references.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

French essential

Information on language requirements

Master in hydrogeology or geothermal

Degree equivalency

Experience in geothermal energy simulations.
Experience with the hydrogeological software FEFLOW.
Experience with the evaluation of rock physical properties.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Be familiar with mathematical code development (Matlab, R, Python).

Experience in water and rock sampling.

Experience in well log geophysical interpretation.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

A situational exercise may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

You must indicate on your application if you require a technical aid for testing or an alternative method of assessment.

A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

Natural Resources Canada is committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity. We welcome applications from qualified people and encourage members of the designated groups (Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women) to apply and to self-identify.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes. This will include communication of screening results and invitations to written tests and interviews. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

We thank all applicants for their interest in our position. For the purpose of this staffing process, only candidates selected for further assessment will be contacted.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.