In 2016, the University of Calgary was awarded $75 million, over seven years, from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) for its initiative entitled: “Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources”. The goal of this research is to dramatically reduce the impact of energy extraction and energy use on the environment.

As part of the implementation of its GRI scientific strategy and to improve hydrocarbon recovery, while reducing emissions and energy intensity, Dr. Siahrostami’s group is looking to fill one MSc.,  one PhD and one postdoctoral positions to investigate the molecular origin of heavy oil and bitumen.

Molecular level calculations can be used to relate molecular structure and interactions to macroscale physical, chemical and mechanical properties. We aim to use a combination of quantum mechanical calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to model the behavior of asphaltenes and bitumen. Quantum mechanical methods determine an approximate numerical solution to the Schrödinger equation and thus incorporate electronic effects of chemical interactions. On the other hand, classical force fields used in dynamics simulations can be applied to simulate how asphaltene and bitumen systems evolve over time. 

Our goal is to address the effect of chemical composition of oil, solvent, temperature, pressure, and water-oil interaction on the structure and viscosity by choosing proper simulation models, at different thermodynamic conditions. Using MD simulations, we can provide molecular descriptions of self-assembly and the oil diffusion process. We will also be able to derive the viscosities from MD simulations and make direct comparisons with experimental results. In addition, to study the asphaltene self-assembly, the asphaltene - asphaltene interactions, asphaltene resin interactions, and asphaltene-solvent interactions will be investigated. Our ultimate aim is to provide the origin of heavy oil/bitumen viscosity and the asphaltene self-assembly mechanism.”

We seek applications from qualified and motivated scientists with a passion for clean energy and interdisciplinary research. Successful candidates will be required to work within a team environment and so excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of interdisciplinary researchers is a must.

Qualifications:

1. A relevenat degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields.
2. Previous experience in computational chemistry/physics including density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamic simulations.
3. Good communication skills, ability to work independently and in a team environment, and strong interest in computational Catalysis/Chemistry.

Postdoctoral position offers a stipend of $55,000 CAD/year for 2 years, plus benefits, travel and computer allowance, and operating budgets. Postdoctoral fellow are encouraged to apply for major funding opportunities they are eligible for (e.g. NSERC, Killam, AITF, Banting).

To be eligible as a MSc. or PhD student at the University of Calgary, the candidate must meet Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum admission requirements, as well as the admission requirements specific to the Graduate Program of Chemistry, which calls for higher scores, additional documentation and testing. Please review the admission requirements prior to applying for this position.

Application details: 

Applications should consist of a current CV, a list of 2-3 referees with contact information and a cover letter indicating which area you are interested in, as well as your availability.  Documents should be emailed in a single PDF file to Dr. Samira Siahrostami: [email protected]

The positions are available immediately and the search will continue until the team is assembled.

In assembling the CFREF research teams, aggressive diversity and equity targets are in place and so applications from under-represented groups are especially encouraged.

To be eligible as a Postdoctoral scholar at the University of Calgary, the candidate must have been awarded a PhD or equivalent within the five (5) years immediately preceding the appointment. Please review the Eligibility page for more information prior to applying for this position.