PhD Studentship available to investigate the thermal history of oil and gas shales using clumped isotope geochemistry

Unconventional resources, including shale gas and oil shale, present new challenges when it comes to understanding their history of burial and maturation. This requires new methods and new thinking to be applied. This project is an EPSRC iCASE funded studentship between Imperial College London and BP. The successful PhD candidate will apply field methods, laboratory calibrations and laboratory measurements to improve our understanding of the thermal history of oil and gas shale formations.

The central part of the PhD will be to apply clumped isotopes to shales in order to reconstruct their thermal history. Clumped isotope palaeothermometry is a cutting-edge geochemical technique, and the Qatar Stable Isotope laboratory at Imperial College London is one of the forefront centers for clumped isotopes research. The method is based on the grouping (or “clumping”) of the heavy isotopes of oxygen and carbon within the lattice of carbonate minerals, which has been demonstrated to be dependent only on temperature, and independent of fluid composition. Carbonate clumped isotopes record the initial carbonate mineral precipitation temperature, but can undergo re-setting due to crystal lattice diffusion at extended exposure of temperatures >100 ˚C.

This project will further the understanding of the fundamental behaviour of the carbonate clumped isotopes during diagenesis, and provide a highly valuable proof-of-concept test for its use in unconventional exploration for source-rock maturity. The student will develop skills in analytical geochemistry, geological fieldwork and petroleum systems geology. This will ensure they are very employable across academia and in the oil and gas industry.

Applications

UK candidates with a 1st or high 2.1 class degree in Earth Sciences are invited to apply. Prior experience with research is essential. Knowledge of isotope geochemistry or clumped isotope is preferred, and experience with computer coding would be a plus. As part of the iCASE studentship agreement, the student will be expected to spend a minimum of 4 months at BP. Ability to interact with industry sponsors is thus essential.

For informal inquiries contact the project PI: Dr Cédric John, [Email Address Removed].
Apply using the Imperial College online portal (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/how-to-apply/) stipulating “Dr Cédric John” as supervisor, “ESE” as the department, and “BP Clumped Shale Gas Project” as the project.
Applications must include a CV, grade transcripts, cover letter stating research interests and motivations for applying, and two references.

Further information about the carbonate research group available at www.carbonateresearch.com