PhD Multiscale X-ray Imaging and Modelling of Multiphase Flow in Porous Rocks for Subsurface Energy Applications

Project Description

This PhD will focus primarily on the experimental investigation of multiphase flow in reservoir rocks, complemented by numerical modelling and digital rock analysis. The successful candidate will design and conduct advanced laboratory and X-ray imaging experiments to investigate how pore structure, rock heterogeneity, and wettability control multiphase displacement and macroscopic flow behaviour. A particular emphasis will be placed on integrating conventional core-scale measurements with multiscale X-ray computed tomography (CT) of multiphase flow at reservoir pressure and temperature conditions. Imaging will be used to directly visualise fluid distributions and displacement processes within porous rocks and to establish quantitative relationships between pore-scale phenomena and core-scale properties such as relative permeability and capillary pressure.

The project will include designing and conducting multiphase core-flooding and SCAL experiments under controlled pressure, temperature and wettability conditions; measuring relative permeability, capillary pressure and associated petrophysical properties; performing X-ray CT imaging of rocks and multiphase fluid distributions across multiple spatial scales; investigating drainage, imbibition, trapping, hysteresis, wettability and fluid connectivity in heterogeneous porous media; developing image-processing and quantitative analysis workflows to extract pore- and continuum-scale information from experimental datasets; comparing experimentally measured flow properties with predictions obtained from digital-rock and physics-based simulation workflows; and working with the wider i-Flow team to support the development and validation of data-driven and AI-assisted approaches for predicting SCAL properties.

The balance of the project will be strongly experimental and digital analysis, while providing the student with opportunities to develop complementary skills in numerical modelling and AI-assisted approaches.

Informal enquiries about this PhD position can be addressed to Dr Kamaljit Singh (k.singh@hw.ac.uk), Dr Hannah Menke (h.menke@hw.ac.uk) and Professor Andreas Busch (a.busch@hw.ac.uk).

Research environment and industry engagement

The PhD student will be based within the DigiPorFlow Group (https://digiporflow.site.hw.ac.uk) at Heriot-Watt University, a multidisciplinary research group focused on understanding and predicting fluid flow, transport and reactions in complex porous materials.

The DigiPorFlow Group brings together expertise in experimental multiphase flow, petrophysics, X-ray imaging, digital rock physics, computational modelling and data-driven methods. Its research combines advanced laboratory measurements and X-ray imaging with numerical approaches to understand how pore-scale processes govern fluid behaviour at the core and reservoir scales.

Working within DigiPorFlow will provide the student with a highly collaborative research environment in which experiments, imaging and modelling are closely integrated. The student will work alongside researchers with complementary experimental and computational expertise, while having access to the wider research environment and facilities at Heriot-Watt University.

The student will also be embedded within the i-Flow JIP, creating opportunities for regular interaction with industry partners and researchers working across the experimental, modelling and digital components of the programme. This combination of an active academic research group and an industry-supported research programme will allow the student to develop both fundamental scientific expertise and an understanding of how new multiphase-flow technologies are translated into practical subsurface applications.

More information about the DigiPorFlow Group and its research can be found on the DigiPorFlow website

Eligibility:

We are seeking a highly motivated student to work on this interdisciplinary project. To be eligible, applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a BSc/MSci 2:1 and/or Masters (MSc) at Merit/Distinction level (>60%) and/or evidence of significant relevant professional experience equivalent to Masters level. Applicants with a physics/applied geoscience/engineering, or related qualification with an interest in petrophysical, computational and X-ray tomographic methods are particularly encouraged. This project will involve experimental research, therefore the PhD candidate is expected to have a sound knowledge of designing an experimental program. Scholarships will be awarded by competitive merit, taking into account the academic ability of the applicant.

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous, although applicants are not expected to have experience in all areas:

Experimental skills: Flow in porous-media, core flooding, petrophysics, high-pressure/high-temperature experiments, fluid mechanics, X-ray CT scanning and 3D data processing.

Computational skills: Python, or similar scientific programming; image processing; numerical modelling; data analysis and digital rock physics.

The successful candidate should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, an enthusiasm for hands-on experimental work, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary academic-industry research team.

Funding:

This is a fully funded PhD studentship open to both UK and international candidates. The studentship will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend (£21,685 in 2026-27) for up to 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

How to Apply

1. To apply you must complete our online application form.
2. Please select PhD GeoEnergy Engineering as the programme and include the full project title, reference number (EGIS2026-KS) and supervisor name on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.
3. Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project. You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.
4. If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies. For more information about your application and our English Language requirements, please see Section 10 of our page on English Language Requirements as part of your application.

Enquiries:

Please contact Dr Kamaljit Singh (K.Singh@hw.ac.uk)for further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline:

Applications will remain open until the position is filled and will be reviewed every two weeks, beginning on 27 November 2026. Interviews will be arranged shortly after each review date. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. The successful candidate must be available to start in either January or May 2027.