PhD position in multiphase flow and reactive transport in porous media
Aquatic Geochemistry Group at Technische Universtiät Darmstadt, Germany
Soil System Sciences (SSS)
The Aquatic Geochemistry (AG) Group is a new research group at the Institute of Applied Geosciences at TU Darmstadt. The group studies biogeochemical and transport processes in aquatic environments, with key focus on the subsurface and particularly on shallow groundwater systems. We perform both experimental and modeling investigations to study flow and reactive transport processes in porous media at different scales. One of the key areas of the research in the AG group includes subsurface/atmosphere interactions, where we study the exchange of mass, momentum and energy across the subsurface/atmosphere interface and investigate how such interactive phenomena control the dynamics of fluids flow and reactive transport processes in the subsurface. GAS-REACT is a recently DFG-funded joint project in this research area between the AG group at TU Darmstadt (PI: Prof. Massimo Rolle) and the Department of Hydromechanics and Modelling of Hydrosystems (LH2) at University of Stuttgart (PI: Prof. Holger Class). The core idea of the project is to advance our understanding of current and projected climate change scenarios’s implications on water quality in the shallow subsurface. Specifically, the project aims to answer this timely and relevant research question by considering a conceptual system composed of a porous medium (soil compartment) and a free-flow (atmospheric compartment) compartments and investigating how dynamic forcing like wind flow and temperature gradients in free flow can control (i) the reactive transport of key gas components like O2 and CO2 in physically and chemically heterogeneous porous media and (ii) how such inter-compartment phenomena can change the dynamics of key abiotic geochemical reactions responsible for groundwater quality. The project has both experimental and modeling work packages. The PhD candidate at TU Darmstadt will focus on the experimental part of the project and will be supervised by Prof. Massimo Rolle and co-supervised by Dr. Navid Ahmadi. It should be noted that a close collaboration with the selected PhD candidate in LH2 department is expected.
Your responsibilities:
1) Independently perform laboratory-scale experiments aimed at analyzing the reactive transport processes in porous media triggered by dynamic forcing in the atmosphere
2) Close collaboration with the LH2 group at University of Stuttgart to improve model concepts, design numerical experiments and provide experimental datasets for model calibration/validation
3) Write high-quality publications in top-tier journals in the field
4) Present research outcomes at national and international conferences
5) Support teaching activities in the AG group and co-supervise master/bachelor theses
Your profile:
The successful applicant has
1) A completed University degree in science (M.Sc.) in Environmental Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences or similar disciplines with an excellent track record and ideally
2) An ambitious and creative mindset and a strong passion for multidisciplinary research at the interface of fluid mechanics, soil physics and geochemistry
3) Proficiency in written and spoken English
4) In-depth knowledge of environmentally relevant aquatic geochemical systems
5) Documented capabilities of experimental field/laboratory investigations
6) Capability to work independently and collaboratively
7) Interest and/or previous experience in process-based modeling (this is a plus)
What we offer:
We offer you to work in a motivated, dynamic, and international team with the possibility to develop new ideas and to participate in multi-disciplinary research projects. In particular, the Aquatic Geochemistry Group is equipped with new laboratory facilities with state-of-the-art instruments. We will provide opportunities for PhD students to follow and develop their research ideas and interests and be an integral part of a productive research team with international recognition. We are also committed to supporting PhD students to integrate into the group, develop their skills/career, and become independent researchers. Additionally, the selected candidate for the GAS-REACT project will have the opportunity to establish a strong network of connections with the national and international collaborators of the Aquatic Geochemistry Group.
Interested?
Please send your application as a single PDF including
A letter of motivation describing your research achievements/interests
A complete CV
Transcript of records (BSc and MSc degrees)
The names and email addresses of at least two referees
The applications should be sent to kern@geo.tu-darmstadt.de with the PDF file name “GAS-REACT_Applicant_Full Name”. For further information regarding the position, please contact either Prof. Dr. Massimo Rolle, massimo.rolle@tu-darmstadt.de or Dr. Navid Ahmadi, ahmadi@geo.tu-darmstadt.de