Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

We are a young international team of geoscientists and engineers with a special interest in interdisciplinary research.

Homepage: https://applied.geo.uni-halle.de

The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Institute of Geosciences and Geography, Germany, invites applications for the 3-year fixed-term position of a

Researcher (PhD candidate) (m/f/x)

Starting date: earliest possible.

Tasks:

• Development of innovative methods for the characterisation and evaluation of groundwater resources and/or for simulating coupled thermal-mechanical processes in rocks
• Development of experimental field applications for the observation of groundwater flow and transport processes and/or enhanced characterisation of plastic and elastic deformation processes during geothermal heat extraction, injection and storage
• Application and further development of methods of numerical simulation and machine learning
• Co-supervision of students and independent teaching of courses
• Publication of high-quality scientific results

Requirements:

• Completed scientific university degree (Master’s, Diploma or equivalent) in natural or engineering sciences (e.g. engineering, environmental sciences, geosciences, geophysics, physics, mathematics)
• Very good knowledge of numerical simulation, geophysical methods, rock mechanics and/or coupled thermal-mechanical processes
• Experience in the application of geoscientific or geophysical methods
• Programming skills (e.g. in Python or Matlab)
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is an advantage.
• Communication and teamwork skills

The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg gives priority to applications from severely disabled candidates with equivalent qualifications. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
The position will offer the opportunity to enrol as a PhD student at the Faculty of Natural Sciences III. The hosting research team offers excellent conditions for carrying out the work and modelling within a strong international network of partners from industry and academia. Candidates can expect an interdisciplinary, collegial and open-minded working atmosphere. Queries concerning the application process and project-related questions should be directed to the head of the research unit, Prof. Peter Bayer – https://applied.geo.uni-halle.de.

All applications should include:

• Cover letter in English or German, shortly describing the motivation for the project, research interests and relevant experience
• Complete curriculum vitae including contact details of two referees
• Digital copy of Master’s/Bachelor’s/Diploma degree certificates

Kindly send your application, quoting the reference number 5-12748/24-H to Prof. Peter Bayer (pe-ter.bayer@geo.uni-halle.de) as one single pdf file and addressed to the Institute of Geosciences and Geography, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany.

The submission deadline is March 23, 2025. Selected candidates may be invited to an interview already before this deadline. The position is offered with reservation of possible budgetary restrictions. Application portfolios will not be returned, and application costs cannot be reimbursed.
Applicants with a degree that was not obtained at a German university must submit a certificate assessment for foreign university qualifications (Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications) from the Central Office for Foreign Education (https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education). This can be provided later after being invited for the interview.