PhD student (f_m_x) – Coupled process simulations for a geothermal field in the Upper Rhine Graben

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section [4.5 Subsurface process Modelling](https://www.gfz.de/en/section/subsurface-process-modelling/overview) (department [“Geosystems”](https://www.gfz.de/en/departments/geosystems)), we are looking for a:

PhD student (f_m_x) – Coupled process simulations for a geothermal field in the Upper Rhine Graben

Reference Number 10639

– The position is dependent on the approval of the project. –

Join our collaborative project “ConvEx” and become an active contributor to the renewable energy transition! Failed geothermal projects due to “drilling dry” or induced seismicity in the Upper Rhine Graben – a region of high temperature gradients on the border between Germany and France – point to an insufficient knowledge about the hydraulic and mechanical conditions in the subsurface. Despite the abundance of seismically imaged faults and fractures, identifying those that are highly permeable but mechanically subcritical to guarantee economic viability and sustainability of hydrothermal geoenergy projects is a significant challenge. The advertised position involves conducting numerical simulations of coupled thermo-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) processes based on various observational datasets (e.g., hydrogeological structure, borehole pressure and temperature). The major goal of the project is to develop Digital Twins for a geothermal exploration field in the central Upper Rhine Graben, which will help us answer “what-if?” questions for multiple exploration scenarios.

Your responsibilities:

• Data and model preparation: Gather and revise existing 3D models, petrophysical data, borehole measurements, operational and monitoring data to build a DT (Digital Twin) of the exploration field “Lionheart”
• Conduct THM simulations and perform history matching and further testing of production scenarios for geothermal doublets
• AI-interpretable assisted surrogate modelling for sensitivity and uncertainty analyses
• Presentation of the results at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in geosciences, geophysics, computational sciences or related subjects
• Experience in the fields of geophysical data analysis, rock physical properties and numerical process simulations
• Provable programming skills in Python/C++
• Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Very good English language skills

Start date: 1st November 2025

Fixed-term: 36 Monate

Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.

Working hours: Teilzeit 75% (derzeit 29,25 h/Woche)

Place of work: Potsdam

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 15th September 2025.

Required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter: paragraph delineating your background, interest in the position and career goals
• Certificates (grades): academic credentials (mark sheets and degree statements)
• Summary of the PhD thesis or equivalent
• References: names and contact details of (at least) two referees

Please use our online application form only.

The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our [Equal Opportunities Officer](https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/employee-representation).

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our [gender equality plan and the cascade model](https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/equal-opportunities) measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact [Dr. Judith apply.job.28315836@hokifyjob.com email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.