CNPC R&D (DIFC) Company Limited is CNPC’s R&D and Technical Support Centre based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), We are a strategic technical arm of CNPC, dedicated to supporting the CNPC Group’s upstream asset interests across the Middle East (e.g., UAE, Iraq, Oman). Our mission is to deliver impactful, field-driven R&D through close collaboration with CNPC’s leading upstream research and engineering institutes in China and a network of internal and external global partners.
Role Purpose
The Principal Geophysicist is a senior technical professional responsible for providing high-quality geophysical expertise across a range of subsurface studies and projects. The role focuses on seismic interpretation, seismic inversion, reservoir characterization and subsurface uncertainty, integrating geophysical information with geological, petrophysical and reservoir engineering data to support robust subsurface understanding and sound technical decisions.
The Principal Geophysicist is expected to independently lead complex geophysical studies and workstreams, applying sound technical judgement to deliver fit-for-purpose solutions and providing clear technical recommendations to support field development, well placement, reserves evaluation, production optimization, troubleshooting and debottlenecking. The role also contributes to the continuous improvement of geophysical workflows and best practices, supports senior principal geophysicist with knowledge sharing and mentoring within the G&G team, and participates in technical discussions with clients, partners and other stakeholders as required.
Key Accountabilities
Seismic Interpretation and Geophysical Evaluation Perform and independently lead 2D and 3D seismic interpretation, including structural/fault and stratigraphic interpretation, mapping and framework development. Perform pre-stack and post-stack seismic inversion and quantitative and qualitative seismic attribute analysis. Integrate core and well log with seismic data to improve reservoir characterization and prediction. Apply appropriate and advanced geophysical techniques and software to address complex subsurface challenges. Generate and interpret a full range of seismic attributes and inversion products to characterize trap size, structural and stratigraphic complexity, reservoir distribution and other key subsurface uncertainties. Support fracture identification and sedimentary facies prediction through the application of appropriate seismic interpretation, attribute and inversion techniques.
Reservoir Characterization and Integrated Subsurface Studies Develop and refine structural and stratigraphic frameworks for static reservoir models and provide appropriate geophysical inputs for reserves estimation and booking. Perform reservoir characterization and prediction to support static reservoir models that accurately represent reservoir properties and distribution. Integrate geophysical interpretations with geological, petrophysical and reservoir engineering data to develop robust and fit-for-purpose subsurface models. Work closely with geologists, reservoir engineers, petrophysicists and other subsurface disciplines to enhance reservoir understanding and support integrated technical studies. Identify and assess geophysical and subsurface uncertainties that may impact the technical and commercial robustness of project outcomes.
Field Development and Production Support Develop and refine geophysical inputs to Field Development Plans (FDPs), including development concept selection, well placement and trajectory optimization. Provide geophysical support for oilfield development and production activities, including troubleshooting and debottlenecking. Evaluate alternative geophysical interpretations and their potential implications for reservoir development and production decisions. Translate geophysical analysis and interpretation into practical technical recommendations to support field development and subsurface decision-making.
Technical Delivery and Project Execution Independently lead assigned geophysical studies and workstreams, taking ownership of technical scope, quality and deliverables. Drive execution of geophysical projects and studies, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, schedule and quality requirements. Apply sound technical judgement in selecting appropriate methodologies, workflows and software for assigned studies. Review and challenge technical interpretations, methodologies and deliverables within the assigned area of responsibility. Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of geophysical workflows, methodologies, standards and best practices. Identify technical risks and uncertainties and escalate material issues to the Senior Principal Geophysicist or relevant project leadership as appropriate.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Technical Communication Work effectively with multidisciplinary teams to align geophysical activities with overall project objectives and technical requirements. Collaborate with geologists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers, production specialists and other technical disciplines to develop integrated subsurface solutions. Communicate complex geophysical concepts, interpretations, uncertainties and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Participate in technical reviews, workshops, client meetings and project discussions with internal and external stakeholders as required. Support knowledge sharing and provide technical guidance and mentoring to less-experienced geophysicists within the team.
Qualification and Experience
PhD in Geoscience15+ years of relevant experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, with strong expertise in seismic interpretation, seismic inversion and integrated subsurface studies, including experience with a major international oil company or oilfield services company. Proven experience applying geophysical techniques to reservoir characterization, field development and production-related studies. Demonstrated experience independently leading complex geophysical studies or multidisciplinary subsurface workstreams. Experience with major international oil companies, oilfield services companies or leading energy organizations is highly desirable. Middle East upstream experience is an advantage. Fluency in English: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Job-Specific Skills
Strong expertise in 2D/3D seismic interpretation, including structural and stratigraphic interpretation, mapping and framework development. Strong experience in pre-stack and post-stack seismic inversion, seismic attributes, fracture identification and sedimentary facies prediction. Proven ability to integrate seismic with geological, petrophysical and reservoir engineering information for reservoir characterization and static modelling. Strong understanding of geophysical applications to field development, including well placement, trajectory optimization, reserves evaluation, production support, troubleshooting and debottlenecking. Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to assess subsurface uncertainties, provide sound technical recommendations and work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.