Laboratory Technician III Researcher - Special Core Analysis (SCAL)

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; Calgary; On-site; CAD 64,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in applied research is seeking a Laboratory Technician III Researcher to advance oil recovery methods through innovative core analysis and fluid flow testing. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of reservoir characterization, collaborating with engineers and geoscientists on impactful energy transition projects. Ideal candidates will bring strong analytical skills and hands-on experience in laboratory research, ensuring the highest standards of safety and confidentiality. Join a dynamic team dedicated to pioneering advancements in energy solutions and contribute to the future of sustainable resource management.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of lab research experience in petroleum engineering or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills and project management experience required.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced rock core testing and analyze core data.
• Collaborate with industry partners to develop enhanced oil recovery methods.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for industry partners.

Skills

WHIMS

Core analysis

Reservoir petrophysics

Applied laboratory research

SCAL experience

Relative permeability

Capillary pressure

Wettability studies

Hands-on experience with HPHT core flood systems

Report writing

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving ability

Education

Chemical Engineering Technology diploma

Power Engineering Technology diploma

Petroleum Engineering diploma

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Core flooding rigs

Centrifuges

Mercury injection porosimetry (MICP)

Petrographic microscopes

Software tools for petrophysical analysis

Job description

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

As a Laboratory Technician III Researcher - Special Core Analysis (SCAL) to conduct advanced rock core testing and reservoir characterization in an applied research setting. This role focuses on fluid flow, petrophysical properties, and multiphase interactions within reservoir rocks to improve oil and gas recovery methods. The candidate will perform SCAL experiments, analyze core data, and collaborate with industry partner engineers and geoscientists to develop enhanced oil recovery (EOR), reservoir simulation, and energy transition projects. The candidate will analyze, conceptualize, design, build and execute experimental tests.

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.

The Role

• Lab Activities
• Take direction for scope and objective of experiments
• Deterine fluid mobility properties
• Formation properties: porosity, relative permeability, capillary pressure, wettability, resistivity index measurements,
• Perform tracer studies, CT imaging, NMR, and digital rock analysis to characterize pore-scale properties
• Design and execute high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) core flooding experiments for multiphase flow studies
• Operation calibration precision pumps
• Centrifuge operations
• Radio-isotope preparation and analysis for tracing of miscible fluid
• Optimize experimental protocols for EOR techniques
• Preparing and vetting 3P labs for water chemistry analysis
• Management of sample inventory and sample testing priority
• Collection and dissemination of data to industry partner
• Work with reservoir engineers to integrate SCAL data into numerical simulations and history matching
• Utilize software tools for petrophysical analysis, permeability calculations, and capillary pressure modeling
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and presentations for industry partner
• Stay updated with emerging SCAL methodologies and industry advancements to enhance laboratory capabilities

• Laboratory Operations & Instrumentation
• Operate and maintain core flooding rigs, centrifuges, mercury injection porosimetry (MICP), and petrographic microscopes
• Ensure calibration, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of SCAL lab equipment
• Adhere to laboratory safety standards and best practices in handling pressurized systems and hazardous fluids

• 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

• Chemical Engineering Technology , Power Engineering Technology, or Petroleum Engineering diploma
• 3+ years demonstrated lab research experience in petroleum engineering, geology or geophysics, chemical engineering

• Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree or combination of education and experience in a senior technical role
• 5+ years of experience in a senior field role petroleum engineering

Skills Required

• WHIMS
• Core analysis, reservoir petrophysics
• Applied laboratory research
• SCAL experience
• Relative permeability experience, capillary pressure, wettability and rock-fluid interaction studies
• Hands-on experience with HPHT core flood systems, CT scanning and advanced petrographic techniques
• Report writing and documentation
• Strong communication, both written and verbal
• Excellent organizational and time management
• 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: Technologist III

Salary range: $64,625.60 - $83,928.00

# of positions: 1

Hours Per Week: 40

Posting closing date: 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.

BEWARE FALSE POSTINGS AND RECRUITING OFFERS

SAIT has been made aware of individuals or organizations posing as SAIT using false postings to attract job seekers and collect personal information. Please be aware that SAIT will never request sensitive personal information beyond what is required for an application.

Career opportunities at SAIT will always be posted on the SAIT career site and we encourage applicants to only apply directly through there. When your application is completed you will receive an email confirmation, if you did not receive one please check your junk mail or try applying through the SAIT career page again.