Principal Geophysicist

About CNPC R&D (DIFC) Company Limited

CNPC R&D (DIFC) Company Limited serves as the technical research and support hub of CNPC, based in Dubai International Financial Centre. It acts as a strategic partner for CNPC's upstream assets throughout the Middle East, including countries such as the UAE, Iraq, and Oman. The centre's goal is to produce impactful, field-focused research and development by working alongside CNPC’s top upstream research and engineering entities in China and a wide network of global collaborators.

Role Overview

The Principal Geophysicist is a senior expert accountable for delivering specialized geophysical expertise in numerous subsurface projects. The role prioritizes seismic interpretation, inversion, reservoir characterization, and handling subsurface uncertainties. This position requires integrating geophysical data with geological, petrophysical, and reservoir engineering inputs to establish a comprehensive understanding and support effective decision-making.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead advanced 2D and 3D seismic interpretations, including mapping faults, stratigraphy, and structural frameworks with autonomy.
• Conduct pre-stack and post-stack seismic inversion alongside qualitative and quantitative seismic attribute evaluations.
• Merge core and well log details with seismic information to enhance reservoir modeling and forecasting.
• Utilize sophisticated geophysical software and techniques to address complex subsurface challenges.
• Produce and analyze extensive seismic attribute and inversion data to evaluate trap sizes, structural complexity, and reservoir variability.
• Assist in fracture detection and sedimentary facies forecasting using suitable seismic methods.
• Develop and refine structural and stratigraphic frameworks for static reservoir models, contributing geophysical data for reserves calculation and reporting.
• Support static reservoir modeling by characterizing and predicting reservoir properties accurately.
• Collaborate closely with geologists, reservoir engineers, and petrophysicists to enhance reservoir interpretation and create integrated technical reports.
• Identify geophysical uncertainties influencing project outcomes and commercial viability.
• Contribute geophysical insights for field development plans, including well trajectory and placement optimization.
• Support production operations by providing geophysical troubleshooting and debottlenecking advice.
• Assess alternative geophysical models and their impacts on reservoir development strategies.
• Lead and manage geophysical projects independently, ensuring technical quality, scope adherence, and timely delivery.
• Implement continual improvements to workflows, methodologies, and best practices within geophysical studies.
• Identify and escalate technical risks or significant uncertainties to senior leadership as necessary.
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams to align geophysical work with overall project goals.
• Communicate complex geophysical information effectively to both technical colleagues and non-technical stakeholders.
• Participate actively in technical discussions, reviews, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Promote knowledge transfer through mentoring junior geophysicists and supporting team development.

Qualifications and Experience

• A PhD in Geoscience is mandatory.
• A minimum of 15 years working in upstream oil and gas industry geophysics, with strong skillsets in seismic interpretation, inversion, and integrated subsurface analysis.
• Prior experience with leading international oil companies, oilfield service firms, or prominent energy organizations.
• Familiarity with Middle Eastern upstream operations is advantageous.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Required Technical Skills

• Expertise in 2D and 3D seismic interpretation including structural, stratigraphic mapping and framework development.
• Advanced experience executing pre-stack and post-stack seismic inversion, attribute analysis, and fracture/sedimentary facies identification.
• Strong capability integrating geophysical data with geological, petrophysical, and reservoir engineering information for reservoir characterization and static modeling.
• In-depth understanding of geophysical roles in field development: well placement, trajectory optimization, reserves estimation, and production troubleshooting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills coupled with effective communication, enabling clear articulation of subsurface uncertainties and recommendations in multidisciplinary and multicultural settings.