Petrophysicist - Reservoir Characterization

ADNOC Abu Dhabi UAE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 268,000 - 424,000; Full time

Job summary

ADNOC in Abu Dhabi seeks a Petrophysicist - Reservoir Characterization with 5+ years of experience. You will conduct advanced petrophysical evaluations, integrate core, log, seismic data, and develop formation evaluation strategies for exploration and development wells.

You will plan formation testing, review data quality, and deliver technical reports that quantify uncertainty and support reservoir development decisions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in petrophysical analysis and reservoir characterization.
• Strong knowledge of formation evaluation and advanced logging techniques.
• Experience integrating core, well logs, seismic, geology and reservoir engineering data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced petrophysical evaluations to determine reservoir characteristics and hydrocarbon potential.
• Interpret open-hole and cased-hole logging information for reservoir characterization.
• Integrate core, log, seismic data with geological and reservoir models.
• Develop formation evaluation strategies for exploration, appraisal and development wells.
• Plan and support formation testing and fluid sampling programs.
• Review data acquisition to ensure required petrophysical information is captured.
• Prepare technical reports documenting assumptions, methodologies, results and uncertainties.

Skills

Petrophysical analysis

Reservoir characterization

Formation evaluation

Well log interpretation

Seismic integration

Porosity evaluation

Saturation analysis

Permeability evaluation

Lithology interpretation

Petrophysical software

Uncertainty analysis

Reservoir modeling

Data quality assurance

Technical reporting

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Engineering, or related subsurface discipline

Tools

Petrophysical software

Seismic interpretation software

Job description

Petrophysicist - Reservoir Characterization Job Snapshot
Role: Petrophysicist - Reservoir Characterization
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Oil and Energy
Function: Engineering
Experience: Minimum 5 years
Job Type: Full-time

Job Details Country: United Arab Emirates City: Abu Dhabi Industry: Oil and Energy Function: Engineering Salary: 24000-38000 Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer. Gender: Any Candidate Nationality: Any Job Type: Full-time

The Petrophysicist provides specialist subsurface interpretation supporting exploration, appraisal, reservoir characterization, and field development activities. The position evaluates formation properties using advanced logging, core, seismic, and testing data to define reservoir quality, fluid characteristics, saturation, porosity, permeability, and associated uncertainties. By integrating petrophysical information with geological, geophysical, and reservoir engineering models, the role improves confidence in resource estimates and development decisions. The position also supports acquisition quality assurance, technology evaluation, technical reporting, and development of junior subsurface professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced petrophysical evaluations to determine reservoir characteristics and hydrocarbon potential.
• Interpret open-hole and cased-hole logging information relevant to reservoir characterization.
• Analyze acoustic, nuclear, resistivity, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance logging data.
• Evaluate porosity, saturation, lithology, permeability indicators, and fluid properties from available subsurface information.
• Integrate petrophysical interpretations with geological and geophysical datasets.
• Combine core analysis with seismic reservoir characterization to improve subsurface understanding.
• Support construction and refinement of integrated reservoir models.
• Develop formation evaluation strategies for exploration, appraisal, and development wells.
• Define logging requirements appropriate to reservoir objectives and expected formation conditions.
• Plan and support formation testing and fluid sampling programs.
• Evaluate formation pressure and sampling results to strengthen reservoir interpretation.
• Review data acquisition programs to ensure required petrophysical information is captured.
• Monitor logging operations and verify that acquisition quality meets technical requirements.
• Identify data quality issues and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
• Review log processing results and ensure interpretations are technically reliable.
• Perform quality control of petrophysical data, calculations, and processed outputs.
• Quantify petrophysical uncertainty and assess its effect on reservoir evaluation.
• Identify interpretation risks and develop appropriate mitigation recommendations.
• Evaluate alternative petrophysical models where subsurface uncertainty is material.
• Provide petrophysical input to hydrocarbon resource and reserves assessments.
• Support exploration teams in evaluating prospective reservoirs and well results.
• Contribute to appraisal strategies by identifying subsurface data gaps and acquisition requirements.
• Support development planning through improved definition of reservoir quality and distribution.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers on static and dynamic reservoir characterization.
• Work with geologists to refine lithological, facies, and depositional interpretations.
• Coordinate with geophysicists to integrate well-derived petrophysical properties with seismic characterization.
• Provide subsurface information supporting well placement and development optimization.
• Analyze differences between expected and observed reservoir performance and recommend additional studies.
• Evaluate complex formations using appropriate advanced petrophysical techniques.
• Support evaluation of thin beds, heterogeneous reservoirs, and challenging fluid systems where applicable.
• Apply appropriate environmental and borehole corrections to logging information.
• Review legacy petrophysical data when supporting mature field or redevelopment studies.
• Reinterpret historical wells when improved methods or additional information can increase subsurface understanding.
• Maintain consistent petrophysical interpretation methodologies across assigned assets.
• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting assumptions, methodologies, results, uncertainties, and recommendations.
• Present petrophysical findings to multidisciplinary technical teams and management.
• Communicate interpretation risks and subsurface implications clearly to project stakeholders.
• Maintain appropriate technical records and databases for petrophysical studies.
• Monitor developments in logging technology, formation evaluation, and petrophysical interpretation methods.
• Assess new tools and methodologies for potential application to ADNOC reservoirs.
• Recommend technology improvements capable of increasing data quality, interpretation accuracy, or operational efficiency.
• Support technical assurance and peer reviews of petrophysical studies.
• Provide specialist advice during well planning and subsurface review activities.
• Mentor junior professionals in petrophysical analysis, logging interpretation, and reservoir characterization.
• Deliver technical guidance and knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary subsurface teams.
• Promote consistent technical standards and disciplined quality assurance in petrophysical work.

Ideal Profile

The successful candidate should hold a Bachelor 's Degree in Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Engineering, or another closely related subsurface discipline. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in petrophysical analysis and reservoir characterization is required, preferably within oil and gas exploration, appraisal, or development operations. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of formation evaluation and advanced logging techniques, including acoustic, nuclear, resistivity, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance methods. Practical experience integrating core, well log, seismic, geological, and reservoir engineering information is important. The role requires proficiency with professional petrophysical interpretation software and the ability to evaluate complex datasets, quantify uncertainty, and communicate technically defensible recommendations. Experience supporting exploration and field development studies, formation testing, reservoir characterization, and multidisciplinary subsurface workflows will be particularly valuable.

Skills Set

• Petrophysical analysis
• Reservoir characterization
• Formation evaluation
• Well log interpretation
• Acoustic logging
• Nuclear logging
• Resistivity logging
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
• NMR logging
• Core analysis
• Core-log integration
• Seismic integration
• Porosity evaluation
• Water saturation analysis
• Hydrocarbon saturation
• Permeability evaluation
• Lithology interpretation
• Fluid characterization
• Formation testing
• Fluid sampling
• Pressure data analysis
• Logging program design
• Log acquisition quality control
• Log processing
• Petrophysical uncertainty analysis
• Subsurface risk assessment
• Reservoir modeling support
• Resource evaluation
• Exploration petrophysics
• Development petrophysics
• Appraisal wells
• Field development
• Reservoir quality assessment
• Data quality assurance
• Technical reporting
• Subsurface integration
• Petrophysical software
• Multidisciplinary subsurface studies
• Technical mentoring

Why Join Us

This opportunity provides experienced petrophysicists with the scope to influence exploration and development decisions across technically complex Oil and Energy assets. The role combines advanced formation evaluation, reservoir characterization, acquisition quality assurance, subsurface integration, and uncertainty management within multidisciplinary teams. It is particularly suited to professionals seeking exposure to large-scale reservoir studies, advanced logging technologies, integrated subsurface modeling, and technically challenging exploration and development programs while contributing to improved resource understanding and field performance.

About the Company

ADNOC is a diversified energy group wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government and operating across the energy value chain. Founded in 1971, the organization combines large-scale oil and gas operations with investments in lower-carbon solutions, new energy, and decarbonization technologies while pursuing its net-zero ambition for 2045 and its commitment to zero methane emissions by 2030.