Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d)

Geoverbund ABC/J; Aachen; Vor Ort; EUR 42.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

RWTH Aachen University seeks a doctoral candidate in the Chair CG3 for Computational Geoscience, Geothermics and Reservoir Geophysics. You will develop probabilistic digital twins for geothermal exploration and convert existing models into probabilistic frameworks using GemPy, while collaborating with national and international partners.

The role offers a 3-year fixed-term appointment at EG 13 TV-L, part-time (75%), with PhD completion as a key objective.

Qualifikationen

• Above-average Master’s degree in Geophysics, Geosciences, Computational Science & Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.
• Solid programming in Python and a sound understanding of probability theory, Bayesian statistics & Monte Carlo methods; ML is a plus.
• Strong written and spoken English; German knowledge beneficial.

Aufgaben

• Develop probabilistic digital twins for geothermal exploration.
• Convert a deterministic 3D model into a probabilistic model using implicit geomodelling (GemPy).
• Moderate and scientifically evaluate an expert-elicitation workshop for structured uncertainty quantification.
• Implement Monte Carlo forward simulations to quantify uncertainties in temperature, permeability and performance metrics.
• Integrate heterogeneous data sources (e.g., VSP seismic data) into a consistent reservoir model.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and international conferences.

Kenntnisse

Python

Probability theory

Bayesian statistics

Monte Carlo methods

English proficiency

Communication skills

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Geophysics

Tools

GemPy

pyDoubletCalc

Jobbeschreibung

Chair of Computational Geoscience, Geothermics and Reservoir Geophysics

Our Profile

The research focus at the Chair CG3 of RWTH Aachen lies in applied geophysics and numerical simulation in the geosciences. Alongside fundamental scientific questions, we work on exciting projects concerning the characterisation and prediction of states and processes related to subsurface utilisation.

Applications include, for example:

• geothermal energy,
• the search for nuclear waste repositories,
• the sustainable use of raw materials,
• and near-surface geophysics.

Methodologically, we develop

• concepts for simulation and data integration,
• using methods from machine learning and artificial intelligence,
• as well as for uncertainty quantification.

We are actively involved in the development of scientific open-source software (among others GemPy and pyDoubletCalc). In our petrophysical laboratories we determine hydraulic and thermal rock properties under pressure and at elevated temperatures and, together with field geophysical measurements, cover a broad range of geophysical and geoscientific data integration, modelling and simulation.

In teaching, we contribute to the B.Sc./M.Sc. programmes „Applied Geosciences“ and „Georesources Management“ of RWTH Aachen (www.fgeo.rwth-aachen.de) as well as to the international Joint M.Sc. programme „Applied Geophysics“, which we offer together with TU Delft and ETH Zurich (www.idealeague.org/geophysics).

Please also visit our website: www.cg3.rwth-aachen.de

Your Profile

You hold an above-average university degree (Master or equivalent) in Geophysics, Geosciences, Computational Science and Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or a related field. You are interested in research and applications in the field of geothermal energy, in particular in probabilistic geological modelling, uncertainty quantification and the development of digital twins. You have solid programming skills in Python and a sound understanding of probability theory, Bayesian statistics and/or Monte Carlo methods; experience in machine learning is an asset. You work independently, are a team player with good communication skills, and can express yourself correctly and confidently in English. A working knowledge of German is beneficial given the close collaboration with regional project partners (municipal utilities, authorities).

Your Duties and Responsibilities

The position is embedded in the BMWE-funded collaborative project EXPLORER – „Exploration Initiative Rhine-Ruhr“, an accompanying research project on deep geothermal energy within the mission „Wärmewende 2045“ of the 8th Energy Research Programme. The project is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems IEG; further collaborative partners are the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, Structural Geology and Tectonics) as well as Stadtwerke Düsseldorf AG and Stadtwerke Duisburg AG as associated partners. The project aims at the efficient exploration of carbonate reservoirs (Lower and Middle Carboniferous „Kohlenkalk“ and Devonian „Massenkalk“) in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, including the scientific support of two pilot wells in Düsseldorf (2027) and Duisburg (2028).

Within EXPLORER, the Chair CG3 is responsible for the development of a probabilistic digital twin for geothermal exploration. Your tasks include:

• Transferring an existing deterministic 3D model (Geological Survey of North Rhine-Westphalia, GD NRW) into a probabilistic geological model based on implicit geomodelling (GemPy);
• Designing, moderating and scientifically evaluating an expert-elicitation workshop for structured uncertainty quantification;
• Implementing Monte Carlo forward simulations for the quantification of uncertainties in temperature, permeability and geothermal performance metrics (in particular in coupling with pyDoubletCalc);
• Formulating and implementing suitable likelihood functions for the sequential assimilation of real-time drilling data (wireline logs, drilling parameters, lithological and petrophysical analyses);
• Integrating heterogeneous data sources – including VSP seismic data and process-based stratigraphic/diagenetic models from the project partners – into a consistent reservoir model of the Kohlenkalk and Massenkalk;
• Further developing the workflow into a data- and project-specifically parametrisable, open-source-documented blueprint transferable to further sites;
• Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences, and contributing to the overarching exploration workflow of the project.

The position offers the opportunity to establish an independent research profile at the interface of probabilistic geological modelling, Bayesian inference and geothermal exploration, and is embedded in close exchange with ongoing research projects at CG3 (including DEGREE and WBGeo). The objective of the position is the completion of a doctorate. In addition, participation in teaching within our B.Sc. and M.Sc. programmes (lectures, exercises, supervision of theses) is welcome.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled by 9/1/2026 and offered for a fixed term of 3 years.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a part-time position (75 % of the standard weekly hours for full-time employees).
The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

About us

RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university.

As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports.

Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting.

RWTH is an equal opportunities employer.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age.

RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia.

When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual.

In keeping with RWTH’s commitment to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application.

Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).