PhD Scholarships in Petroleum Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering of Curtin University at Sarawak Miri (CSM) Campus in Malaysia has received a flagship research grant in order to carry out research in the area of Reservoir Characterisation for CO2 injectivity and flooding in petroleum reservoirs Offshore Malaysia. The study is focused in two major areas – geology/Petrophysics and drilling/geomechanics engineering. Two PhD students are sought to work in these two research areas within a dynamic team of more than 10 researchers from Curtin CSM, Bentley Campus in Perth, Western Australia, and related industry people.

PhD research topics:

The first PhD student is expected to perform a comprehensive study to highlight different aspects related to reservoir characterization in Malaysian offshore fields, carry out a Petrophysical evaluation of reservoir rock using well log data, and develop a deep understanding and knowledge of formation evaluation in offshore Malaysia. The first PhD research proposal will be developed within this context and the details will be discussed with the successful candidate.

 The second PhD student is expected to study well design and planning for drilling deep offshore wells specific to offshore Malaysia. Studying the Geomechanical aspects of the field is an integrated part of this study. The second PhD research proposal will be developed within this context and the details will be discussed with successful candidates.

Expected Candidate’s Profile:

Interested applicants are expected to have a Masters degree with a relevant academic background to each topic and preferably have obtained one of their degrees in Petroleum Engineering. Those with a non- Petroleum Engineering background may be considered for these positions, however, they may require to complete and pass some core units in Petroleum Engineering during the course of their PhD. The PhD program at CSM is research-based.   

Scholarship offer and other benefits:

Successful candidates will receive a full scholarship stipend to carry out their research program. The scholarship will cover the tuition fees and standard living expenses paid by CSM for a duration of 3 years during the course of their PhD.

The students will have a main supervisor from CSM but will receive co-supervision from Curtin Bentley Campus in Perth, WA, together with associate supervisors from industry where required.

PhD students may require to travel for a short period of time to Bentley Campus in Perth to use the lab facilities available in the Petroleum Engineering Department at Bentley Campus in Perth and discuss their research progress with their co-supervisors.

 How to Apply:

Interested applicants should send a copy of their detailed CV, BSc and MSc certificate and transcripts, contact information of two references together with any other supportive documents to Associate Professor Chua Han Bing (chua.han.bing@curtin.edu.my), Head of the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia. Applicants should indicate which of the two above mentioned PhD project they are applying for. Shortlisted applicants will be advised to apply officially for admission to the PhD program at CSM. Standard Curtin admission requirements, including English language proficiency requirements, must be met in order to be admitted to a PhD program.