Associate Professor – Petroleum Engineering
THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) is in the industrial city of Lae, the second largest city in Papua New Guinea. The city of Lae has an airport with flights to any location in PNG. The University is the only technological university in the Pacific. It has a main campus and three amalgamated colleges. The main campus has 14 academic schools under 6 faculties including a Department of Open and Distance Learning (DODL). It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, natural and applied sciences, built environment, language, and business. The university has an Information Technology Services department and a Library.
Faculty of Engineering (FOE)
The Faculty of Engineering is the cornerstone of technological advancement at PNGUoT, the only technological university in Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific (excluding Australia and New Zealand). The faculty offers cutting‑edge undergraduate and postgraduate programs built on a strong foundation of engineering principles and practical applications.
On this foundation, the faculty is organised into four dynamic schools:
- School of Civil Engineering
- School of Electrical & Communication Engineering
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- School of Mining Engineering
Applications are now invited for the following positions:
School of Mining Engineering
Associate Professor – Petroleum Engineering
The University invites applications from internationally recognised academics and industry professionals for the position of Associate Professor in Petroleum Engineering within the School of Mining Engineering.
The successful candidate will contribute to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, consultancy and industry engagement while supporting the continued development of PNGUoT’s Petroleum Engineering programme and strengthening the University’s reputation in petroleum and energy education.
Areas of Specialisation
Applicants should demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Reservoir Engineering
- Drilling Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Petroleum Geoscience
- Energy Engineering
- Reservoir Simulation and Well Testing
- Production Optimisation
- Petroleum Systems and Subsurface Engineering
- Oil and Gas Production Operations
- Petroleum Project Development
- Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in the Petroleum Industry
Primary Responsibilities
The successful applicant will:
- Deliver high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Petroleum Engineering and related engineering disciplines.
- Develop, review and continuously improve undergraduate and postgraduate curricula to meet international accreditation and industry standards.
- Design, coordinate and supervise laboratory, simulation and field-based teaching, student projects and research activities.
- Supervise Honours, Master’s and PhD students while providing academic guidance and research mentorship.
- Establish and maintain an active research programme, publishing in reputable international peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
- Secure competitive research grants, consultancy projects and industry-funded research contracts.
- Develop collaborative partnerships with the oil and gas industry, government agencies, research institutions and international universities to support research, innovation and student learning.
- Undertake professional consultancy and provide technical expertise in Petroleum Engineering and related disciplines.
- Contribute to programme accreditation, quality assurance, academic administration, university governance and strategic planning.
- Provide academic leadership through mentoring junior academics, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting excellence in teaching, research and professional service.
- Build productive relationships with students, colleagues, professional bodies and industry partners while contributing to the University’s national and international reputation.
Qualification & Experience
Applicants must possess;
- A PhD in Petroleum Engineering or a closely related discipline such as Reservoir Engineering, Drilling Engineering, Production Engineering, Petroleum Geoscience, Chemical Engineering (Petroleum), Mechanical Engineering (Energy Systems) or Energy Engineering from a recognised institution.
- Membership of a recognised professional body such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) or an equivalent organisation.
- A strong record of scholarly achievement appropriate for appointment to the rank of Associate Professor.
Experience and Technical Expertise
The successful applicant should demonstrate:
- At least 10 years of university teaching, research and/or senior industry experience in the petroleum or energy sector.
- A distinguished record of internationally recognised research with more than 10 indexed publications and with significant publications, citations and research impact.
- Successful supervision of postgraduate research students.
- Experience in securing or participating in externally funded research projects and consultancy.
- Strong collaboration with industry, government and research organisations.
- Proficiency in petroleum industry software such as Schlumberger Petrel, Eclipse, CMG, OFM and Pipesim.
- Expertise in reservoir simulation, well testing, production optimisation and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) systems.
- Experience in curriculum development, programme accreditation, quality assurance and academic administration.
- Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary research, innovation and industry engagement.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong academic leadership and professional integrity.
- An established research profile with evidence of scholarly impact.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and mentoring skills.
- Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
- Commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community engagement.
- Ability to build productive partnerships with industry, government and international collaborators.
- Commitment to advancing Petroleum Engineering education and research to support the sustainable development of Papua New Guinea’s petroleum and energy sectors
Conditions of Service
- Base Salary Range: Associate Professor PGK78,441 – PGK95,873 per annum
- Base IMA Range: PGK96,481 – PGK123,870 per annum
IMA = International Market Allowance
(Level of appointment depends upon qualification and experience)
The initial contract period is for three years. Benefits include a gratuity of 30% of salary in the first year, 35% in the second year, and 40% in the third year (paid on fortnightly basis), support for approved research, appointment and repatriation fares for yourself and dependents, book & equipment allowance of PGK750.00 per annum, settling-in/out allowance of PGK1,700.00 for single & PGK3,600.00 for accompanied plus PGK200.00 for each of two authorized dependent children (under 19 years) on appointment and repatriation, six weeks paid leave per year, recreation leave fares for yourself, spouse & two authorized dependents after 18 months of service and education fares and assistance towards school fees for authorized dependents are available. Staff members are also permitted to earn from consultancy up to 50% of their earnings annually. Consultancy projects need to be approved by the respective Head of School and the Vice Chancellor’s office. Furnished accommodation is provided on campus. All earnings in PNG attract income tax, the tax rates are progressive and the maximum rate is 40%.
Please note that the settling-in/out allowance varies depending on the country of recruitment.
Application Procedure
Detailed application with curriculum vitae including certified copies of qualifications, names and addresses including email addresses, phone numbers of three (3) current referees including one from past/present employer, if any, should be sent to the address below:
The Executive Director – Human Resources
PNG University of Technology
Private Mail Bag
Lae, 411
Papua New Guinea
Applications must be compiled and sent as one PDF file to recruitment@pnguot.ac.pg with an indication of their earliest availability to take up the appointment.
PLEASE NOTE
- Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.
- Only shortlisted applications will be acknowledged.
- PNGUoT is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.