Subsurface Geoscientist

SUBSURFACE GEOSCIENTIST 

Grade: UKRI Pay Band C/S2

Salary: £29,808 per annum 

A great benefits package is offered including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contract Type: Three-year fixed term appointment

Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible and remote working options may be available)

Location: The Lyell Centre, BGS offices in Edinburgh (which are situated on the Heriot-Watt University campus)

Closing date: 28 November 2024

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Subsurface Geoscientist to join the team at our offices in Edinburgh.  

You will apply geophysics, core-lab, and field-based skills and techniques to make geological observations, develop robust interpretations, and create geological models. 

Key duties and responsibilities

• Undertake subsurface characterisation analyses and related research into the geology of the UK’s sedimentary basins and associated applications for decarbonisation and resource management
• Regional seismic interpretation#
• Link basin analyses to wireline data and seismic interpretation
• Contribute to commercial reports and academic papers
• Update GIS databases and archive subsurface data and interpretations
• Contribute to the development of new commercial & academic projects in the Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste team, as well as broader groups across BGS

Although the position is primarily office-based, there is opportunity to undertake fieldwork. You will be required to travel and work away from home at times.

In addition to fieldwork, this may include research visits, attending conferences and meetings with stakeholders. This role is primarily UK-based, however, there is potential to be involved in similar work as part of BGS’s international programme, including overseas office and field-based activities. 

About you
You are a geologist with a First or Upper Second class degree in Geology / Applied Geology (or very closely related subject e.g., Earth Science). An MSc or equivalent industry-experience  in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not essential. 

You can demonstrate effective geological interpretation skills, including primary geological observation, wireline analysis, and seismic interpretation. 

You possess knowledge of the latest approaches applicable to the characterisation of the subsurface, including investigation techniques and applied considerations. You can work confidently with, and develop robust geological interpretations from, diverse geoscientific data that may include, well/borehole data, field-observations, and 2D/3D seismic. Familiarity with seismic interpretation software (e.g., Petrel or similar), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and 3D geological modelling software to integrate, and interpret spatial geoscientific data is an advantage to this role, however training will be provided.

You will be approachable, and demonstrate a commitment to / understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the workplace. You will display an enthusiasm for your science and resolving scientific challenges, and a desire to develop this further. You must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. The post involves team working and you must be able to work effectively with others, applying good time management skills.

You will demonstrate a commitment to Continuous Professional Development, both in professional and geoscience skills and contributions to the geoscience community will be considered positively for this role.

The specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at Shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I).

ESSENTIAL

• Educated to degree level (2:1 or above) in geosciences / geology or geophysics and have a knowledge and understanding of the subsurface characterisation techniques used in basin analysis. (S). 
• Good knowledge of : 
  - structural geology
  - basin analysis
  - Seismic interpretation experience using industry standard software (Petrel or similar) and techniques. 
  - Sedimentology & stratigraphy(S&I)
• Effective written and oral communication skills (S&I) 
• Good attention to detail (S&I) 
• Able to work flexibly and proactively with a variety of teams and external clients, whilst managing your own time to meet agreed targets (S&I)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

DESIRABLE

• MSc in geoscience, geology, or geophysics, with a focus on subsurface evaluation would be desirable. (S)
• Full Driving licence (S) 
• Experience of GIS packages (S&I) 

Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.

About us
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.

We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency.  As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022. 

How to apply
Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

Closing date 28 November 2024.  Interviews are expected to be held in Mid-December 2024/January 2025 in Edinburgh.

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.