Studentship Optimisation in reservoir simulation and oilfield operations
Computing Laboratory

Oxford University Computing Laboratory (OUCL) in conjunction
with Schlumberger has received an EPSRC CASE award to fund a D.Phil
studentship for research into optimisation problems arising from the
oil industry. In particular, oil recovery from geological formations
leads to a variety of very challenging, large-scale optimisation
problems. Of increasing interest is the question of optimisation in
the presence of uncertainty. The function to be optimised is
frequently very expensive to compute, and approaches using
less-expensive surrogates are to be preferred. The proposed research
will concentrate on the development and analysis of robust
optimisation techniques for such cases, and on their application to
problems of interest to Schlumberger. The project will be
co-directed by Professor Nick Gould from the Numerical Analysis Group
at OUCL and Dr. Chris Farmer from Schlumberger. Interactions with
other members from both partners are to be expected and encouraged.
The
student will spend time both in Oxford and at the Schlumberger
Abingdon Technology Centre. The research techniques will include
numerical experimentation to try to identify characteristic
correlation structures that might then determine the best
algorithm(s), and theoretical convergence investigations, using
methods from numerical and functional analysis. Training will be
provided both in relevant numerical techniques and on modelling
techniques relating to the oil industry.
It is hoped that the student will spend enough time with
Schlumberger to investigate optimisation in at least two problem
areas; optimisation involving flow through porous media and
optimisation of surface pipe networks with pumps and compressors. The
student will be supported by Schlumberger software developers in this
ambitious project and will be expected to focus on the research
questions rather than on software production. Nevertheless, the
student will be encouraged to develop software.
The studentship is fully funded (at EU fees level - overseas
candidates will need supplementary funding) for three years from
October 2007. Further information on the Numerical Analysis Group and
OUCL can
be obtained from http://web.comlab.ox.ac.uk/oucl/
Selection Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the usual requirements:

http://web.comlab.ox.ac.uk/oucl/prospective/dphil/dphil-criteria.pdf
for doing a doctorate at Oxford. Candidates must have (or be
expecting to receive) a good degree in mathematics or a
closely-related subject. In addition good programming skills are
desirable.
How to Apply: The deadline for submission is 9th March, 2007. To
apply you need to download the University's application form from
http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/forms/. You will need to
submit references, transcript and research proposal with your
application.
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO:
Mrs Julie Sheppard
Secretary for Graduate Studies
Oxford University Computing Laboratory
Wolfson Building
Parks Road
Oxford OX1 3QD
AND NOT TO THE ADDRESS ON THE APPLICATION FORM
If you have any questions about the applications procedure please
email Julie@comlab.ox.ac.uk



University Research Studentships
School of Informatics

Research is at the heart of City University's activity. We
have a strong outward-looking ethos that promotes interdisciplinary
and collaborative as well as individual approaches, while providing
excellent support for new researchers. We already have a world-class
reputation in a number of areas and you won't find a better place to
do work that makes a real difference.
£13,000 per annum plus fees
City is offering a number of three-year, full-time doctoral
research studentships, available to both home and overseas fee-paying
students on a University-wide competitive basis. In 2007-08 these
will attract a bursary of £13,000 per annum in addition to payment of
the tuition fees. Successful candidates will usually be expected to
undertake some teaching support activity in their second and third
years, by agreement with the School concerned.
Candidates may apply for a research studentship in any of the
following areas:
School of Informatics: Computer Science; Information Science;
Health Informatics
More detailed information on subject areas, contact points for
enquiries and the application process can be found at
www.city.ac.uk/researchdevelopment/studentships.html
Closing date for research studentship applications: Friday 23 March 2007