PhD Position – Non-invasive imaging of flow and transport in porous media

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Your Job:

You will be part of the collaborative research center SFB1313 on "Interface-driven multi-field processes in porous media – flow, transport and deformation" (https://www.sfb1313.uni-stuttgart.de/). The SFB1313 consortium investigates interfaces in porous media, which are known to have large impact on flow, transport and deformation. An important step is to quantify how the dynamics of fluid-fluid and fluid-solid interfaces in porous-media systems are affected by pore geometry, heterogeneity, and fractures. This will be achieved through the development of experimental knowledge as well as mathematical and computational models. IBG-3 participates in the SFB1313 and is leading the project C05 with a focus on non-invasive imaging of porous media. Your tasks will include:

  • Establish experimental procedures to visualize biofilm distribution in soil columns using non-invasive imaging with X-ray computer microtomography and magnetic resonance imaging
  • Use non-invasive imaging on soil columns to investigate the effect of flow velocity on the development of porosity and permeability during biofilm growth
  • Use non-invasive imaging methods on soil columns to investigate how microbially-induced calcite precipitation affects the flow field as well as the development of porosity and permeability during biofilm growth and calcite precipitation
  • Use the acquired experimental insights to improve REV-scale models describing microbially-induced calcite precipitation in cooperation with other projects in the SFB1313

Your Profile:

  • Masters degree in natural or engineering sciences with an overall grade of at least “good”; preferably with a focus on modelling or monitoring of subsurface processes (e.g. environmental engineering, geosciences, or hydrology)
  • Experience with data analysis or programming in Python, Matlab, Fortran, or C++
  • Experience with microbiology techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance or x-ray computed tomography measurements is of advantage
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary team across institutes; very good communication and organizational skills
  • Very good command of the English language

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:

  • Participation in national and international conferences and workshops
  • Development of own scientific profile, including support with the preparation of peer-reviewed scientific publications
  • Cooperation in a highly motivated and interdisciplinary team
  • Extensive internal and external training opportunities, including a three-month internship abroad
  • Exciting working environment on an attractive research campus, conveniently located in the Cologne-Düsseldorf-Aachen triangle of cities
  • 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 through the Integrated Research Training Group of the SFB 1313 (IRTG-IMPM) and JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  • A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  • Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service


The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Pay in line with 100% 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“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs

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.



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