The Pikka Unit represents one of the largest conventional oil discoveries in the United States in the past 30 years, with the Pikka Phase 1 Project marking the most significant North Slope development in over two decades. Additional upside is provided by discoveries at the Mitquq and Stirrup exploration wells drilled in 2020, together offering a clear and sustained growth pathway for Santos in Alaska.
Pikka Phase 1 is the flagship Nanushuk development in Alaska and the first in a series of planned projects. Early-phase technical excellence is essential, given the steep learning curve and the long-term impact of key development decisions. This is a pivotal period for the Alaska Business Unit, as we approach first oil from Pikka NDB, advance planning for Pikka NDC, Quokka, and Stirrup, and lay the groundwork for future growth through exploration efforts at Lagniappe and beyond.
Maintaining a lean organization while enabling long-term success requires highly capable personnel who are motivated, effectively deployed, and focused on value creation. The principal duty of the Senior Geoscientist is to planexecute horizontal development wells whilst employing advanced interpretation methods. Moreover, with an continual drilling program through future Pikka and Quokka developments, a technically astute geoscientist is required to support well delivery and ensure sustained value creation.
The Senior Geoscientist is a member of the Alaska Well Delivery Team and is part of the Subsurface and Engineering organization. This role will be responsible for the delivery of development wells within the operated Pikka Unit on the North Slope of Alaska, as well as day-to-day technical support to all disciplines on the team by:
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Planning and execution of Pikka development wells
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Engagement with drilling and completion groups to optimize well placement and future deliverability
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Work effectively within an integrated team of geologists, geophysicists, petrophysicists and reservoir engineers to optimize well placement and design and perform post-well analysis to capture and apply learnings
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Advance reservoir understanding through seismic mapping, well log correlation, and general subsurface data integration
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Assist reservoir modelers to integrate new data and interpretation into the full-field reservoir model
Key AccountabilitiesResponsibilities
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Promote and lead in the implementation of Santos Ltd policies and procedures, including safety, health, environment, process, people and planning
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Well delivery: In collaboration with other team members, integrate geologic, geophysical, petrophysical and engineering data to ensure that specific objectives are achieved for development wells and future appraisal opportunities. Safely execute and deliver development wells that contribute to Pikka Unit production goals
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Post well analysis: Interrogate post-well results, compare with pre-drill expectations, identify lessons learned. Integrate learnings to offset pad development planning.
Qualifications, Skills,Experience Required
Formal Qualifications
Master's Degree or higher in geology or geophysics
Skills / Technical Competencies
Mandatory:
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Proven experience planning and executing horizontal wells
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High competency in Petrel / Studio software
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Project management capabilities
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A team player with a positive attitude and a 'customer service' approach to assisting others
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Self-motivated with excellent time-keeping and organisational skills
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High personal standards for technical analysis and impeccable attention to detail
Desired:
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Geological interpretation, particularly log correlation and seismic stratigraphy
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Geoscientist able to work across scales (core to basin)
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Tight-sand, hybrid or Unconventional reservoir experience
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Strong understanding of petrophysics, routine and special core analysis
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Alaska experience
Experience
8+ years prior experience as a Geoscientist, particularly in the well planningwell operations
