Job opportunities 

Research Associate (MSc holder) and Post-Doctoral Fellow Positions 

 - at the moment openings are only for citizens of Kazakhstan and international candidates fluent in Russian - 

We are seeking outstanding researchers to fill up several positions at MSc holder and/or post-doctoral (PhD holder) level. The fields of research are broadly defined across the range of geological sciences related to exploration and exploitation of petroleum, uranium, and energy minerals as well as to the utilization of sedimentary basins for carbon storage, energy storage, and geothermal resources.  The overall research theme is a “Sedimentary Models for Energy Transition / SMET”. The main aim is to create innovative solutions which will contribute to nation’s goals to continue being globally competitive energy producer and through various decarbonization, initiatives to become a leader in climate change mitigation. Research topics include, but are not limited to: 

1. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology of Uranium Bearing Formations in Chu-Sarysu Basin with Implications to Reservoir Modeling and Recovery Methods. We work closely with Katko’s and Orano’s team of experts.  2 positions to be trained in process sedimentology, geochemistry, geological controls on recovery methods, and geomodelling. 

2. Organic Rich Strata: Origin and Characterization with Implications to Petroleum Exploration, Unconventional Resource Evaluation, and Carbon Storage Potential. We work closely with two local companies, collaborate with Tomsk Research Institute, and are being advised by Drs. Sachsenhofer (Leoben) and Dr. Sapargaliev (EKTU). 1 position to be trained in sedimentology and geochemistry. 

3. Carbon Storage: we signed NDA with KMG Engineering and are proud to participate in characterization of the first Geological Carbon Storage Facility in Central Asia. 1 position to be trained in stratigraphy, sedimentology, basin analysis, and  regional play fairway mapping

4. Geothermal Energy Potential in Sedimentary Basins of Kazakhstan. We partner with Satbayev University (Drs. Zavaley and Yensepbayev) and are being advised by Dr. John Holbrook (TCU).  all positions filled. 

5. Mechanical Stratigraphy: we partner with Colorado School of Mines (Drs. Jobe, Wood, Bjorklund, and Carr) and team of experts from Chevron and TengizChevroil. Hiring for Nursultan based positions will not start before June. At the moment we accept only expression of interest. 

All projects are funded by public grants and/or industry consortiums and thus are subject to annual progress reviews. 

We seek ambitious candidates who are able independently to plan and conduct research, acquire, analyze, and integrate a range of various data, and are motivated to develop novel concepts and solutions. In addition to academic background, relevant industry experience and ability to attract industry partners is an advantage. Willingness and ability to travel and conduct field research are essential. Selected candidates are expected to utilize a range of state of the art tools available at NU, actively participate in research team meetings and activities, and to publish research results at the international level (i.e. Q1 journals). They will have opportunities to co-supervise BSc and/or MSc projects. 

The salary is internationally competitive. The employment contracts are for 1 to 3 years, but subject to 3-6 month probation period and annual performance and budget reviews. Working language is English. Familiarity with Kazakhstan sedimentary basins, and/or government geological data storages and sample repositories is a strong advantage. However, the primary criteria in selecting the successful candidates will be scientific merit and the way in which they would contribute to the future development of department and to the potential benefits to the society. The successful candidates will have MSc or PhD degree in geosciences (preferably sedimentology, geochemistry, or structural geology). An applicant is expected to send a motivation cover letter, CV, a list of publications, and provide names of 3 professionals from relevant academic or industry fields from whom reference letters can be requested. All documents should be sent electronically directly to Dr. Milovan Fustic milovan.fustic@nu.edu.kz . The positions remain open until filled; evaluation of applications will begin on January 1st, 2022. Only selected candidates will be contacted. We encourage applicants with current commitments (i.e. expected completion of PhD in 2022), who are interested in joining us later, to communicate with us.

All positions are fulltime and based in Astana, Kazakhstan. At the moment we do NOT accept applications for part-time opportunities.