Job Posting: Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (AUPRF) Program Research Assistant – Summer Term

Position Description 

Company: PTAC Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada 

Title: Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (AUPRF) Program Research Assistant – Summer Term 

Location: Calgary, AB 

Anticipated Date: April 28, 2025 (16-week Summer Term) 

Company Background 

PTAC Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada is an energetic organization that serves as a neutral non-profit facilitator of collaborative R&D and technology development, and operates in partnership with all industry stakeholders to transform challenges into opportunities. By effectively leveraging financial resources and technical expertise through our proven model, PTAC has been able to able to support collaborative networks which advance innovative R&D and technology development projects, that address pertinent industry challenges through activities which reduce costs, improve operational efficiencies, enhance environmental stewardship, advance regulatory development, and provide our industry with the social license to operate.  

Job Description 

PTAC Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada is seeking a proactive Summer Research Assistant to provide support to the Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (AUPRF). PTAC serves as the AUPRF Program’s facilitator, which functions as a multi-stakeholder network supported by over 400 voluntary producer contributions every year. This fund plays a vital role in driving research and innovation within the upstream petroleum industry. AUPRF projects help provide oil and gas producers with required cost effective and accurate best management practices and also provides scientific and engineering facts to support policy makers and regulatory bodies to develop smart polices and regulations. 

Responsibilities 

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the AUPRF Summer Research Assistant will be responsible for but not limited to:  

  • Synthesize research progress, reviewing and summarizing work completed to date, identifying linkages and synergies and highlighting gaps to inform future work.  
  • Analyze research outcomes to evaluate how findings contribute to tangible environmental benefits, cost savings, and provide science to inform regulatory/policy advancements. 
  • Develop knowledge-sharing materials including white papers, technical guides, fact sheets, and other materials to share research findings effectively. 
  • Compile a summary of best practices identified through AUPRF projects, including creating user-friendly fact sheets to support practical implementation and analyze industry outcomes and benefits from adopting these practices. 
  • Summarize AUPRF projects that have informed updates to industry guidelines or policy development. 
  • Develop a data inventory by collecting and organizing data from various projects and evaluate potential for reuse or further analysis. 
  • Research technology and AI digital tools to support project management including: 
  • Sourcing tools to compare project scope of work to final reports, writing summaries, creating visuals, etc. 
  • Support the identification and implementation of project management tools or software to streamline processes. 

Experience and Skills Required: 

  • Currently enrolled in or recent graduate in a STEM Bachelors or Graduate Program.  
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Excellent organizational skills. 
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. 
  • Analytical thinking and decision-making skills. 
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member. 
  • Energetic team player with a positive attitude. 
  • Flexible, self-starter. 
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.  
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.  

Working Conditions 

  • This position includes office and inside work with infrequent travel and exposure to outside hazards. No field operations required. 
  • This is a hybrid position, requiring the contractor to be in-office several days per week in Calgary, with the flexibility to work partially remote, while ensuring consistent access to virtual meeting platforms. 

Wage is commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information on PTAC, visit our website at www.ptac.org.  

Application Process  

Please submit your cover letter and resume with the subject line “AUPRF Program Research Assistant – Summer Term”, by March 10, 2025 to [email protected]