PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Passive Seismic - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

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Duties

The injection of water in the ground for unconventional hydrocarbon exploitation may induce seismic events that could potentially affect aquifer conditions and anthropic infrastructure at the surface. The geomechanical properties of the rock mass plays a major role in the seismogenic process of induced seismicity related to water injection. These properties can be inferred from seismic velocities, more specifically by measuring the ratio of compressional (Vp) and shear (Vs) waves velocities. Conventionally, seismic velocities are estimated using least-squares inversion algorithms that permit to recover the hypocenter of seismic event and the spatial distribution of seismic wave velocities between the hypocenter and the geophones. However, least-squares approaches are linear unbiased estimator of the mean, meaning that they fail to estimate extreme values which are driving the magnitude of the seismicity. For this PhD project, we propose to assimilate the fracturing events over time using ensemble Kalman filters (enKf) or ensemble Kalman smoother (enKs). These techniques allow inferring the full range of the seismic velocities in the ground as well as their uncertainty, and had first been developed to take into account time dependent variables. Indeed, in the case of multiple induced seismic events, one has to assimilate seismic events over time because seismic velocities can change following each event. Ensemble Kalman approaches will allow to estimate the Vp-Vs ratio and, later, to infer the geomechanical characteristics of the probed formation using Bayesian sequential simulation (BSS). This methodology will be applied in the Fox Creek area in west-central Alberta, which is known to have experienced large induced seismic events due to unconventional hydrocarbon reservoir exploitation.

The PhD project will include the following components:

- Development/modification of algorithms to determine the hypocenter and 3D velocity fields.
- Assimilation of hydraulic fracturing events using enKf or enKs in order to infer stochastic Vp/Vs ratio.
- Estimation of stochastic geomechanical properties of the formation targeted by the oil and gas industry using BSS.

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)

English or French

Information on language requirements

Master degree in Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics or in a related discipline.

Degree equivalency

1- Experience with scientific programming (Matlab, Pythin).

2- Experience in geophysics or geomecanics or geostatistics.

3 - Some knowledge in geophysical inversion and reservoir modeling.

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

1 - Experience with borehole geophysical logging techniques and interpretation.

2 - Knowledge in machine learning.

3 - Knowledge in geomechanics.

4 - Knowledge in geostatistical methods.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment. Therefore, the student will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-related documents.

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(s). 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.