Staff Geophysicist

Job Summary

Continental Resources is seeking a Staff Geophysicist to work directly with Geoscientists, Engineers, and Landmen to generate and mature exploration and development prospects through advanced interpretation of 2D and 3D seismic integrated with other subsurface datasets, while supporting the development of complex fields.

The Staff Geophysicist is a senior‑level technical professional who independently applies advanced geophysical concepts and techniques, demonstrates technical leadership on projects, provides geophysical support for drilling operations, evaluates and recommends new data licensing, supervises seismic processing efforts, and mentors developing geoscientists within a multi‑disciplinary team. The work environment is fast-paced and team-based, with tight timelines and frequent decision points.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead integrated seismic interpretation and mapping for operated and non‑operated areas, including advanced structural and stratigraphic interpretation, reservoir characterization, and prospect generation.
• Formulate and test advanced geophysical concepts to reduce uncertainty around structure, stratigraphy, reservoir quality, fluids, and geomechanics, leveraging attributes, inversion, and borehole geophysics where appropriate.
• Direct and supervise 2D and 3D seismic acquisition and processing projects from survey design through final products, ensuring that objectives, deliverables, and QC standards are met.
• Integrate geophysical interpretations with Geology, Petrophysics, and Engineering to support full‑cycle evaluations (exploration, appraisal, development, and A&D) and provide clear recommendations on well locations, targets, and risks.
• Conduct advanced analysis in collaboration with Reservoir and Production Engineers to better understand well performance and reservoir behavior.
• Serve as primary geophysical contact for a defined asset or play; coordinate with Land, Operations, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of subsurface work with business objectives.
• Create detailed structural interpretations and provide guidance to Operations Geology and Drilling for well planning and execution for multiple rig lines.
• Conduct data searches, recommend seismic licensing, and collaborate on data management practices.
• Mentor and coach early-career Geoscientists on interpretation workflows, best practices, and career development.
• Plan, recommend, and oversee microseismic and fiber projects alongside engineering counterparts to ensure quality products and guide development decisions.
• Prepare and deliver high‑quality technical presentations to peers, leadership, and partners, clearly articulating subsurface concepts, risks, and value.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in 2D/3D seismic interpretation, structural and isopach mapping, depth-conversion, seismic attribute analysis, and borehole geophysics.
• Strong applied understanding of regional structural/stratigraphic interpretation, synthetic modeling, basin evolution, and petrophysical log analysis.
• Proficiency in standard seismic data processing concepts and ability to supervise vendor processing workflows and QC effectively.
• Applied understanding of unconventional reservoir principles and petroleum engineering concepts related to well performance and development planning.
• Adeptness at anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Accountable for meeting commitments and prioritizing work in alignment with organizational goals.
• Clear, concise technical communication for senior technical audiences.
• Proficiency in industry-standard interpretation software and geophysical workflows.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration to bring forth recommendations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geoscience, Math, Physics, or a related scientific field from an accredited college or university.
• Master’s degree in Geophysics, Geology, or related geoscience field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of E&P or relevant geoscience experience applying seismic and subsurface data to exploration and development decisions.
• Proficiency with a seismic interpretation software package and experience integrating well data and geophysical data.
• An acceptable pre-employment background and drug test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency interpreting and presenting microseismic and fiber projects.
• Asset development experience in three Lower 48 basins.
• Experience applying AI-assisted or Machine Learning workflows to improve interpretation efficiency, QC data, and quantify uncertainty.
• Experience using multi-variate analysis as a predictive tool, combining geoscience and engineering data.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

Continental Resources, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities and access for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.