Reservoir Stimulation

• Assess reservoir stimulation options – including hydraulic fracturing, chemical stimulation, thermal stimulation and a variety of next generation stimulation techniques – in the context of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and productivity optimisation.
• Contribute to techno-economic evaluations of stimulation programme options and post-stimulation evaluation in support of project research and development activities.

Research & Knowledge Development

• Produce high-quality technical reports, research outputs, and stakeholder-facing (investor, developer, government, public) deliverables to appropriate academic and industry standards.
• Contribute to academic publications and conference presentations arising from the research programme.
• Identify and help develop opportunities for further research collaboration between TownRock Energy and Heriot-Watt University.
• Remain current with developments in geothermal subsurface science, reservoir simulation methodology, and relevant regulatory frameworks.

Collaboration & Project Support

• Work effectively with multidisciplinary project teams including geoscientists, structural and mechanical engineers, and project managers.
• Engage proactively with academic supervisors, industry colleagues, supply chain representatives, and where appropriate, other external stakeholders.
• Support TownRock Energy's business development activity through technical input to proposals, feasibility studies, and scoping reports.
• Assist in mentoring junior technical staff and students as the research programme develops.

Administrative & Compliance Duties

• Adhere to the policies, procedures, and values of both TownRock Energy and Heriot-Watt University, including data management, intellectual property, health and safety, and research integrity requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of research activities, data, and outputs in accordance with funder and institutional requirements.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. Petroleum/Reservoir Engineering, Geomechanics, Geothermal Engineering, Civil/Geotechnical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Earth Sciences, or closely related field). The PhD is a minimum, not an alternative, qualification for this post.
• Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Engineering, Geoscience, or Physical Sciences (first degree or integrated master's as foundation for doctoral study).
• Demonstrated experience of subsurface reservoir simulation, ideally including thermal-hydraulic or coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) modelling of geological systems.
• Practical familiarity with at least one industry-standard reservoir simulation platform (e.g. TOUGH2/TOUGH+, CMG, Eclipse/Intersect, MRST, DuMuX, OPM, FEFLOW, OpenGeoSys, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language (e.g. Python, Julia, MATLAB, C++, or R).
• Fundamental understanding of mathematical modelling concepts and numerical solution techniques.
• Familiarity with reservoir stimulation techniques and their application in subsurface energy contexts, including an understanding of hydraulic fracturing mechanics, chemical stimulation, or thermal stimulation.
• Ability to produce high-quality, well-structured technical reports and research outputs to both academic and industry standards.
• Track record of, or demonstrable potential for, academic publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentation at conferences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical material clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to manage own workload effectively, work to deadlines, and deliver outputs within a structured project environment.
• Collaborative working style with the ability to integrate effectively into multidisciplinary project and research teams.
• Commitment to research integrity, professional standards, and continuing professional development.
• Willingness and ability to undertake occasional UK travel in connection with project activities.

Desirable

• Familiarity with software engineering best practices (e.g. Version control, Git, debugging and profiling).
• Demonstrated practical industry experience in subsurface engineering, reservoir engineering, or well engineering, acquired within an oil and gas, geothermal, mining, or related sector context.
• Understanding of reservoir characterisation methods including interpretation of geological, geophysical, and petrophysical datasets.
• Experience with uncertainty quantification and probabilistic approaches in reservoir modelling.
• Familiarity with geothermal resource assessment methodologies (volumetric, simulation-based, or probabilistic).
• Sound working knowledge of well engineering principles, including well design, casing and completion selection, and well integrity for deep or intermediate-depth wells.
• Experience of interpreting well test data, temperature-pressure surveys, and production/injection performance logs.
• Exposure to well planning processes, drilling programmes, or regulatory permitting for geothermal, oil and gas, or deep water boreholes.
• Direct experience of stimulation programme design, execution support, or post-stimulation analysis.
• Experience of working on applied, client-facing projects or within a commercial or consultancy environment.
• Familiarity with UK or European regulatory frameworks relevant to subsurface energy projects (e.g. Environment Act, Petroleum Act, Energy Act provisions relevant to geothermal).
• Experience of contributing to funded research proposals, grant applications, or industry bids.
• Membership of, or eligibility for, a relevant professional body (e.g. SPE, Energy Institute, Geological Society, IChemE, IMechE).
• Experience of supervising or mentoring junior researchers, engineers, or students.
• Knowledge of or interest in the UK geothermal sector, including mine water heat, shallow ground source systems, or deep geothermal.

Contract, Remuneration and Benefits

Contract Duration

This is a fixed-term appointment of 24 months, anticipated to commence in late Summer or Autumn 2026. The exact start date is negotiable. The fixed-term nature of the appointment reflects the research programme funding cycle; continuation beyond the initial term cannot be guaranteed but may be subject to further academic funding opportunities or evolve into a relevant full-time role at TownRock Energy.

Salary

The post is graded at Grade 7 on the Heriot-Watt University pay spine (post-doctoral research level). The precise spine point will be determined in relation to the successful candidate's qualifications and industry experience. There is scope for progression within the grade over the course of the appointment in accordance with the University's pay and progression policies.

Benefits

• Annual leave entitlement in accordance with Heriot-Watt University policy (typically 30 days per annum plus public holidays).
• Membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) or equivalent pension provision, subject to eligibility.
• Access to Heriot-Watt University staff development, library, and research facilities.
• Access