PhD Position - In the field of Reactive Transport Phenomena: Novel experimental approaches for...

Work group:

IEK-6 - Nukleare Entsorgung und Reaktorsicherheit

PHD Thesis

Your Job:

The in-depth understanding and quantification of changes of transport parameters (e.g., diffusivity) in variably saturated geological media in response to mineral dissolution or precipitation induced spatio-temporal porosity changes is a pre-requisite for a realistic description of complex coupled processes in reactive transport simulations. Within this PhD project you will address some of the remaining challenges in this context by:

• Investigation of geochemical processes (e.g. coupled mineral dissolution and precipitation) in partially saturated porous media to assess their effects on the macroscopic solute transport properties
  
• Exploring geochemical processes (e.g. coupled mineral dissolution and precipitation) leading to gas generation in fully saturated porous media to assess their consequences on the macroscopic solute transport
  
• Development and application of cutting-edge microfluidic experiments combined with dynamic Raman spectroscopic measurements to unravel relevant pore scale processes
  
• Development and application of dynamic macroscopic experiments combined with magnetic resonance imaging to gain insights into relevant pore scale processes
  
• Collaboration in the development of mechanistic models to describe system evolution, testing against experimental observations, and the development of upscaling methodologies
  
• Processing of the data and scientific interpretation of the results
  
• Independent presentation of the results at scientific conferences and in scientific publications
  

Your Profile:

• University degree (master’s degree) in Earth/Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum engineering or a related discipline
  
• Experience or interest in subsurface solute transport
  
• Practical experience with laboratory work and scientific programming languages (such as C, C++, Python or Fortran) are desirable, willingness and aptitude to learn and develop these skills are essential
  
• Knowledge on geochemical thermodynamic modelling is desirable
  
• Ability to work in an international multidisciplinary team is essential
  
• Excellent English communication and writing skills
  

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Employment with one of Germany`s top 10 employers according to Glassdoor
  
• Possibility to develop an own scientific profile in the topic
  
• An excellent environment to perform high-quality research at an international level
  
• Doctoral degree conferred by RWTH Aachen University (when requirements are met)
  
• The position will be filled as a part-time position (65%), 30 days of annual leave (depending on agreed working time arrangements) and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
  
• Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
  
• Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor
  
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
  
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">
  
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• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 60% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Pay higher than the basic pay may be possible. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">

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We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.