• About us
  • Contact us
  • Search

You are not logged in:

Careers

Between 2006 and 2009, 0.5% of employed doctoral graduates or 70 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as geologists six months after graduation

Job description

Doctoral level geologists and mineralogists are typically found as researchers outside the higher education (HE) sector, usually in the oil and gas industry, at the start of their careers, although some enter HE research roles.

Geologists and mineralogists provide advice and expertise on the qualities and amounts of substances found underground. Often this expertise focuses on extraction of minerals and gems, hence many geologists work within the oil and gas industries, estimating the size and location of resources. Wellsite geologists, for example, study rock cuttings from oil and gas wells to determine what rock formations are being drilled into and how drilling should proceed. They identify critical strata from core samples and rock-cutting data, and build up knowledge of the structure being drilled.

Other geologists provide advice and expertise on the geological aspects of development and production in mine, pit and quarry sites. It is often necessary for geologists and mineralogists to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, assuring the quality of minerals extracted, and ensuring the safety and viability of extraction processes.

Much academic research work for geologists and mineralogists is very similar in nature to the research work the new entrant carried out as a doctoral student, with an increased level of responsibility. As a result, most entrants into these research roles should have a good idea of the basic nature of the job and many of the key responsibilities. Industry field roles may differ more.

In practice, most doctoral graduate geologists who are not in research, are employed in the oil or gas industries and these will be a crucial group of employers for those looking for private sector employment.

Typical work activities

Good technical and computer skills are necessary for the role

Examples of activity conducted on a day-to-day basis by geologists include:

  • Exploring, dating and sampling mineral deposits
  • Analysing mineral deposits and samples
  • Interpreting and mapping the geology of underground structures
  • Keeping detailed records, writing reports, completing daily, weekly and post-well reporting logs, and sending these to appropriate departments
  • Reporting of findings to other professionals and engineers, and advising operations personnel on-site and in the operations office
  • Creating mine models using CAD (computer-aided design) software, such as SURPAC.
  • Preparing and presenting data to a variety of audiences, including lay audiences
  • Assessing geotechnics and aquifer drainage
  • Undertaking environmental impact studies

Geologists may need to be prepared to travel and may also be expected to spend time in remote areas if they are in survey roles. Many doctoral graduate geologists may progress into management in time and their responsibilities will change accordingly.

Entry requirements

Entry is possible with doctoral qualifications in one of the following subjects;

  • Applied physics
  • Chemistry
  • Geochemistry
  • Geophysics/geotechnology
  • Mineral/mining engineering
  • Physics

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following

  • Strong mathematical and scientific background
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and confidence in giving an opinion
  • The ability to work independently, as well as within a team of multidisciplinary professionals
  • Analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to evaluate complex information and make decisions
  • Sensitivity to different cultures and ways of working
  • Leadership, supervisory skills and practical skills
  • The ability to work with sophisticated technology
  • Competence in it with the ability to use standard office programs and specialised software
  • The ability to cope with working under pressure
  • Flexibility

Salary

  • Range of typical starting salaries for those employed by oil and gas companies is £30,000 - £45,000 (salary data collected July 2009).
  • Range of typical salaries at senior level is £35,000 - £120,000, with sometimes up to 50% extra in allowances and bonuses (salary data collected July 2009).
  • New consultant wellsite geologists can earn between £350 and £450 per day. Those with experience can earn between £800 and £1,000 per day (salary data collected July 2009).

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information

Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in these occupations were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background

The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering geology roles were:

Career stories

Dr Linda Kirstein is a natural environment research fellow at the University of Edinburgh
"Basically I do research in geological sciences, and focusing on research in Taiwan, looking at how mountains built and looking at what the sediments that are preserved in the geological records can tell us about that process."

Useful links