The Rock Physicist leads a geosciences team whose responsibility is to
derive and apply geomechanical and rock-property knowledge to better
understand the physical parameters and stress environment of the subsurface. Projects may include using rock-property information to analyze
and incorporate borehole information into various subsurface analyses,
putting constraints on and providing uncertainties in velocity and
property models used to image the subsurface, using seismic measurements
to analyze and predict subsurface vector stress fields and pore-pressures, deriving rock lithologies through single and joint inversion
of seismic and other geophysical data, developing and evaluating
drilling and well casing plans, and using real-time well measurements to
update subsurface geomechanical models and reduce drilling hazards
ahead of the bit.
Successful Rock Physicists have the ability to balance technical purity against project deadlines and financial factors. They adapt easily and positively to respond to last-minute project changes.
Responsibilities:
- Construct 3D static and 4D dynamic geomechanical models on field to basin scales.
- Make pore-pressure predictions from well and geophysical data.
- Use geophysical logs and core data to constrain seismic inversion.
- Update models with real-time data streams from wells in progress.
- Provide rock physics input to multidisciplinary team involved in earth model building.
Qualifications:
- Master's or PhD degree in geology, geophysics, rock mechanics, or petroleum engineering.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in pore-pressure analyses or rock-property inversion.
- Knowledge of key rock physics concepts, including elastic and plastic stress-strain relationships and failure and fracturing of rocks.
- Knowledge of basic geological concepts of sedimentation, burial history, and pore pressure and their impact on rock properties such as porosity, permeability, fracturing.
- Knowledge of rock properties and their use in and derivation through basin modeling.
- Understanding the basics of well logging and sensitivities of various wireline measurements.
