Physical Model Experiments (PME) Research Officer
Calgary, AB
Corporate Development, Applied Research & International – Applied Research & Innovation Services /
AUPE Temporary Salary /
On-site
SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. ARIS is on the leading edge of novel technology development. As one of Canada’s top applied-research colleges, SAIT has 50,000 square feet of specialized research labs, facilities, and full-time research staff who are solely dedicated to providing the services organizations need to take their products from concept to prototype.
The Opportunity
The Physical Model Experiments (PME) Research Officer supports applied research projects conducting the advancement of oil recovery technologies in the areas of SAGD, solvent based in-situ processes, non-condensable gas (NCG) injection, additive injection, modelling of heat transfer, energy storage, enthalpy and energy balance and live and dead bitumen recovery under various conditions and processes. The role requires innovative solutions for industry challenges, preparing technical reports and writing grant applications. You may work with students, provide tours to external and internal guests so strong communication skills are necessary to ensure a positive engaging experience while maintaining high levels of confidentiality.
Strong analytical skills, project management experience, attention to detail and a passion for innovation are essential for success in this role. This role requires consistent attention to confidentiality and strict adherence to SAIT’s non- disclosure policies.
NOTE: This is a 1 year temporary contract
The Role
- Lab Activities
- Take direction for scope and objective of experiments
- Develop testing methodologies, verification and validation
- Responsible for data management and security of data generate within the lab
- Collection and dissemination of data to industry partner
- Recommending experimental design improvements
- Operation and maintenance of high-pressure vessels
- Operating and maintenance of instrumentation (Coriolis, thermocouples, transducers, etc.)
- Design of reservoir physical model boxes
- Maintenance and construction of physical model boxes
- Operation, maintenance of precision pumps for a wide variety of purposes: bitumen floods, water/solvent injections and pressure control
- Precise determination of pressure and management during model execution
- Operating high pressure steam generation using Cast-X heaters and other electrical heaters
- Preparation of live bitumen sample
- Bead pack preparation and water flooding
- Leak testing and troubleshooting
- Various sample collections using a variety of pressures
- Sample collections using piston accumulators
- Equipment design
- Equipment construction and fabrication
- Specifying and ordering laboratory equipment
- Specifying and ordering mechanical, electrical and instrumentation equipment
- Maintaining ABSA regulated pressure vessels
- Physical sample analysis (i.e. density, viscosity, distillation, etc.)
- Reports, Log Books, Dissemination to Industry Partner
- Prepare reports and disseminate information as requested by the industry partner, in the format requested by the industry partner
- Conduct analysis, document results, make recommendations
- Track Consumables, Ordering Materials
- Track all consumables used in the execution of the research
- Prepare invoices for the industry partner
- Order consumables and keep necessary materials and supplies in good order to all for continuous operation of the lab work
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Post-secondary education, with preference for a bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience in a senior technical role (petroleum engineering, power engineering, chemical engineering)
- 5+ years of lab research experience in a heavy oil research focused lab
- Preferred:
- Master's degree or combination of education and experience in a senior technical role (petroleum engineering, power engineering, chemical engineering)
- 10+ years of experience in a senior field role working with heavy oil recovery processes research
- Steam Ticketed
Skills Required
- WHIMS
- PVT experience (Rheology, viscometer, Gas Chromatograph, rotovap, gasometer, Coriolis, etc.)
- Modelling heat transfer, energy storage, enthalpy and energy storage
- Novel recovery technologies
- Tube fitting
- Instrumentation installation and calibration
- Electrical equipment installation
- Mechanical fitting
- Rotary equipment
- Specifying external testing and analysis standards (i.e. ASTM)
- Optimization of commercial and non-commercial recovery technologies
- Operation of a variety of precision pumps
- Strong communication, both written and verbal
- Excellent organizational and time management
- Lab View Software experience
- Excellent time management and able to work in a high-pressure environment
- High degree of organizational skills, and problem-solving ability, given the dynamic and often confidential nature of research projects
- High degree of confidentiality and discretion
- Willingness to embrace new ideas, methods, and work environments
- Adjusting workflows and priorities as partner needs shift
- Seeking opportunities for upskilling and acquiring new competencies
- Working effectively with different teams during day-to-day tasks performance, including the implementation and sustain change
Job classification: Research Officer III
Salary range: $88,790.77 - $115,833.91
# of positions: 2
Hours Per Week: 40
Posting closing date: Open until position is filled
About SAIT
SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.
Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.
At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.
SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.
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