The shale-energy technological revolution has been a major factor in a resurgent energy sector within the U.S. Much of the shale gas being produced in the U.S. is thought to be thermogenic in origin. Thermogenic gas is non-renewable, so once the available gas has been recovered (sometimes after several rounds of hydraulic fracturing) the well is closed and sealed. Closure of a well means a major investment by the oil and gas industry in infrastructure (e.g., wells and well pads, roads, pipelines, compression stations, and other infrastructure) supporting extraction and transport of gas resources is lost. As shale oil and gas production peaks and begins to decline, many thousands of wells and associated infrastructure will be abandoned.
It may be possible to extend the life of existing wells and associated infrastructure by promoting microbial gas production in existing shale wells. Development of a viable methodology for the stimulation of microbial methanogenesis in shale would provide additional natural gas resources using existing infrastructure. In theory, many cycles of stimulation and production are possible if biodegradable organic matter remains accessible in the shale to microbes.
A project within the USGS Energy Resources Program has had major success in understanding the biogeochemical pathway leading from coal geopolymers to methane gas, identifying the major microbial groups involved, and developing a methodology for stimulating microbial methanogenesis in situ in coal beds. While shale differs in many respects from coal, it is anticipated that many of the major biogeochemical pathways and microorganisms involved in the process will be similar.
We seek a Mendenhall Postdoctoral Scholar with a background in bioengineering and an understanding of microbiology, biogeochemistry, and related disciplines to conduct research on biogasification (microbial methanogenesis) of organic-rich shale. The postdoctoral researcher will conduct both laboratory and field investigations designed to provide insights on the detailed steps in the anaerobic biodegradation of shale from geopolymers to simple molecules utilized by methane-producing Archaea.
We encourage innovative research proposals designed to address the following objectives focused on understanding the potential of biogasification in shale. Integration and synthesis of datasets, along with novel approaches to enhance or better understand biogasification in shale, are also encouraged.
Objective 1. Conduct field and laboratory studies of microbial methanogenesis of shale. Field studies of environmental conditions where biogenic methane is produced in shale, and laboratory studies involving bottle experiments that can be manipulated to maximize methane production from shale will be conducted. Previous studies of enhanced biogenic methane production in coal beds provide a basic template of how to conduct studies of enhanced microbial methanogenesis, however, it is likely that enhancing biogenic gas production in shale will involve many different problems compared to previous coal methanogenesis studies. For example, there are significant differences between organic matter type, hydrogeochemistry, and permeability in shale and coal that will need to be addressed to enhance gas production in shale. Laboratory experiments will probe these differences and optimize approaches for stimulating microbial gas production from shale by varying nutrient and substrate addition and testing physical/chemical changes to shale (e.g. oxidation) that may enhance bioavailability.
Objective 2. Develop preliminary methodology. Based on the results of field and laboratory experiments, a preliminary methodology will be developed for stimulation of microbial methanogenesis in hydraulically fractured shales. A report describing the experimental results and subsequent methodology will be produced.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Research Advisor(s) early in the application process to discuss project ideas.
Proposed Duty Station: Reston, VA or Helena, MT
Areas of PhD: Microbiology, bioengineering, biogeochemistry, or molecular biology with a focus on biodegradation processes; or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).
Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Biologist, Research Chemist.
(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources specialist.)
Human Resources Office Contact: Kimberly Sales, 703-648-7478, ksales@usgs.gov
