PhD Position - Uncertainty Analysis of Coupled Reactive Transport Models

European Geosciences Union e.V.; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 65.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

An established research center is seeking a passionate individual for a PhD position focused on uncertainty analysis of coupled reactive transport models. This role offers the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge environmental research, leveraging computational methods to address real-world challenges such as groundwater contamination and radioactive waste disposal. The ideal candidate will possess a strong quantitative background and programming skills, with a keen interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and making a meaningful impact on global environmental issues.

Qualifikationen

• Strong quantitative background in data science, statistics, or computer science.
• Experience in machine learning, data analysis, and numerical modelling is highly valued.

Aufgaben

• Use geochemical models to tackle scientific questions.
• Quantify and analyze uncertainties in geochemically complex natural systems.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish in scientific journals.

Kenntnisse

Data Science

Statistics

Computer Science

Programming in R

Programming in Python

Machine Learning

Ausbildung

Master's Degree

Tools

R

Python

Julia

C/C++

Jobbeschreibung

PhD Position - Uncertainty Analysis of Coupled Reactive Transport Models

Employer

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

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”.

Energy, Resources and the Environment (ERE)
Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology & Volcanology (GMPV)

Type

Level

Entry level

The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and personal qualifications. Working hours: Part-time 75% (29.25 h/week))

Required education

Master

27 May 2025

Posted

6 May 2025

Are you passionate about environmental research and keen to use computational methods to address real-world challenges? Join our dynamic, interdisciplinary team and contribute to cutting-edge research on reactive transport processes in geological formations.
Computer models of reactive transport play a crucial role in addressing major environmental and societal challenges. These include safety assessments for radioactive waste disposal, groundwater contamination remediation, and geothermal resource development.
If you want to do research with a purpose and want to contribute to the analysis and evaluation of uncertainties in reactive transport simulations, this position is for you. In your role, you will work with established methods of uncertainty analysis as well as innovative approaches using machine learning and artificial intelligence.
If you have a strong quantitative background such as data science, statistics or computer science and are eager to apply these skills to environmental research, we encourage you to apply. Additional knowledge in geosciences is an advantage but not a requirement.

Your responsibilities:

• Use geochemical and coupled reactive transport models to tackle key scientific questions
• Enhance existing numerical models and apply statistical methods for local and global sensitivity analyses, including machine learning-based emulators and surrogate models
• Quantify and analyze uncertainties in geochemically complex natural systems
• Design and evaluate different scenario analyses to improve predictions and reliability of simulations
• Present your research findings at national and international conferences and publish in leading scientific journals. We support professional growth and visibility within the research community.
• Provide scientific and technical support for ongoing research projects within your area of expertise
• Engage in academic activities such as contributing to courses at the Institute of Geosciences within the doctoral curriculum of the University of Potsdam. We encourage collaborative teaching experiences and collaboration across different disciplines and cultures.
• A Master’s degree in computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, geosciences, or a related field
• Strong programming skills in R, Python, or Julia are required; knowledge of C/C++ is an advantage
• Experience in machine learning, data analysis, and/or numerical modelling is highly valued
• Familiarity with hydrogeochemistry, mass transport modelling, or hydrogeology is a plus
• Interest in applying numerical simulation programs to tackle scientific challenges
• Enjoy working in interdisciplinary and international teams where collaboration and new perspectives are valued
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Fixed-term: 3 years
• Refer to the GFZ job posting at this link for futher information
• Place of work: Potsdam
• Essential documents: CV, letter of motivation and certificates (grades).

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.

“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 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.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Kühn or Dr. Marco De Lucia via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number [phone].