Lead Geoscientist - Subsurface Interpretation

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geoscientist for a fully remote role. Based in Cape Town or globally, you will head subsurface interpretation, integrate geology, geophysics and reservoir data, and guide a remote team toward robust models and drilling targets. A Master’s or Ph.D.

in Geology or Geophysics is required, with 10+ years in subsurface interpretation. Proficiency with Petrel and Kingdom Suite is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geology, Geophysics, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in subsurface interpretation and exploration geoscience.
• Experience with Petrel and Kingdom Suite.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor teams in a remote setting.
• Strong background in structural geology, sedimentology, and sequence stratigraphy.
• Proficiency in seismic data processing and attribute analysis.
• Excellent communication for remote collaboration.
• Experience with frontier and mature basins is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead seismic, well log, and core interpretation to build subsurface geological models.
• Develop and refine exploration and appraisal strategies based on geological risk assessments.
• Oversee the integration of multidisciplinary subsurface data (geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering).
• Guide the geophysical team in data processing and attribute analysis for prospect identification.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior geoscientists and interpreters within the remote team structure.
• Contribute to the definition of drilling targets and well placement strategies.
• Present technical findings and interpretations to internal stakeholders and management.
• Ensure adherence to best practices in geological modeling and data management for remote access.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers and petrophysicists to build a holistic understanding of subsurface potential.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Analytical

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Geology or Geophysics

Tools

Petrel

Kingdom Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading player in the global energy market, seeking an exceptional Lead Geoscientist to spearhead subsurface interpretation efforts for their remote-first operations. This is a unique opportunity to join a company that embraces cutting-edge technology and remote collaboration to drive exploration and production excellence. Based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape, you will be instrumental in guiding the geological and geophysical understanding of potential hydrocarbon assets, ensuring our remote teams have the critical insights needed for strategic decision-making. Your expertise will be key to unlocking new opportunities and maximizing value from existing reserves, all within a fully remote working framework designed for maximum efficiency and employee well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the interpretation of seismic, well log, and core data to build comprehensive subsurface geological models.
• Develop and refine exploration and appraisal strategies based on detailed geological risk assessments.
• Oversee the integration of multidisciplinary subsurface data (geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering).
• Guide the geophysical team in data processing and attribute analysis for prospect identification.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior geoscientists and interpreters within the remote team structure.
• Contribute to the definition of drilling targets and well placement strategies.
• Present technical findings and interpretations to internal stakeholders and management.
• Ensure adherence to best practices in geological modeling and data management for remote access.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers and petrophysicists to build a holistic understanding of subsurface potential.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geology, Geophysics, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in subsurface interpretation and exploration geoscience.
• Extensive experience with industry-standard seismic interpretation and geological modeling software (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom Suite).
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor technical teams in a remote setting.
• Strong understanding of structural geology, sedimentology, and sequence stratigraphy.
• Proficiency in seismic data processing and attribute analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Experience with both frontier and mature basins is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively in a remote work environment.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Our client champions a remote-first culture, providing the necessary tools and support for a productive home-based work environment. You will have the opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects, collaborate with a global team of experts, and enjoy a flexible work schedule. We invest in continuous professional development and offer clear pathways for career growth within the organization. Join our innovative team and contribute to the future of energy from the comfort of your home, no matter where you are located.