Petroleum Geochemist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 presents a fully remote role for a Petroleum Geochemist based in South Africa. You will analyze organic matter, source rocks, oils and gases to understand petroleum systems, migration pathways, and reservoir quality, supporting exploration and development projects from anywhere in SA.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s or Ph.D. in Geochemistry with 7+ years in petroleum geochemistry, expertise in GC-MS, isotope analysis, and basin modeling, and strong communication skills for

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geochemistry, Organic Geochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in petroleum geochemistry with exploration/production focus.
• Expertise in GC-MS, pyrolysis, and stable isotopes analyses.
• Ability to interpret complex geochemical datasets and build petroleum system models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geochemical analyses of rock and fluid samples (GC-MS, isotope analysis).
• Interpret data to characterize source rocks, maturity, and oil–oil/oil–source correlations.
• Develop and refine petroleum system models.
• Assess reservoir geochemistry, including biodegradation and water–rock interactions.
• Provide geochemical support for exploration, appraisal, and development projects.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and geophysicists to integrate data.

Skills

Petroleum geochemistry

Data interpretation

Remote collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Geochemistry

Ph.D. in Geochemistry

Tools

GC-MS

Pyrolysis

Stable isotopes analysis

Basin modelling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in hydrocarbon exploration and production, is seeking a highly qualified Petroleum Geochemist to join their remote geoscience team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your specialized expertise from anywhere in **Upington** or across South Africa. The Petroleum Geochemist will be responsible for analyzing organic matter, source rocks, oils, and gases to understand petroleum systems, reservoir quality, and migration pathways. Your insights will be crucial in guiding exploration efforts, optimizing production, and assessing hydrocarbon potential. This role demands advanced analytical skills, a deep understanding of geochemical principles, and the ability to effectively communicate complex findings to multidisciplinary teams in a virtual setting. We are looking for a scientifically rigorous and innovative geochemist.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geochemical analyses of rock and fluid samples (e.g., GC-MS, isotope analysis).
• Interpret geochemical data to characterize source rocks, evaluate maturity, and identify oil-oil and oil-source correlations.
• Develop and refine petroleum system models.
• Assess reservoir geochemistry, including biodegradation and water-rock interactions.
• Provide geochemical support for exploration, appraisal, and development projects.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and geophysicists to integrate geochemical data into subsurface interpretations.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to internal teams and external partners.
• Stay abreast of advancements in petroleum geochemistry techniques and technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geochemistry, Organic Geochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in petroleum geochemistry, with a strong focus on exploration and production applications.
• Expertise in a wide range of analytical techniques (e.g., Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, pyrolysis, stable isotopes).
• Proven ability to interpret complex geochemical datasets and build robust petroleum system models.
• Strong understanding of organic matter kinetics, basin modeling, and fluid phase behavior.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, suitable for remote work.
• Familiarity with relevant software packages for geochemical data analysis and modeling.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a virtual team.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. This fully remote position provides significant flexibility and work-life balance. You will have access to continuous professional development and opportunities to contribute to high-impact exploration projects. Be part of a globally recognized organization committed to scientific excellence. Our client values innovation and provides a supportive virtual work environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a skilled Petroleum Geochemist to make a significant contribution from **Upington** or any remote location within South Africa.