PhD Position (f_m_x) - Uncertainty analysis of coupled transport models for radionuclide migration
The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.
Reference Number 10036
The handling of highly radioactive waste is one of the most pressing issues in our modern society. Worldwide, disposal in deep geological formations, for example in claystone, is regarded as the safest option. Migration of radionuclides in argillaceous formations is governed by diffusion and sorption and depends on the geochemical and mineralogical conditions. Quantifying both processes with coupled transport models therefore requires many parameters, all associated with uncertainties. The focus of the PhD is on analysing and evaluating the uncertainties associated with reactive transport simulations. We are therefore looking for a person with affinity for modelling, programming and statistics, preferably with a strong background in geosciences.
Your responsibilities:
- Geochemical and coupled reactive transport models to quantify diffusion and sorption of radionuclides in argillaceous formations as potential host rocks for the disposal of highly radioactive wastes
- Further development of existing process models and methods for the statistical evaluation of local and global sensitivity analyses
- Estimation of uncertainties and their propagation in geochemically complex natural systems
- Conducting and evaluating scenario analyses
- Presentation of own research results at national and international conferences and publication in scientific journals in English and German
- Scientific and content-related support for ongoing research projects within the scope of the area of responsibility
- Organising of lectures at the Institute of Geosciences within the framework of the PhD regulations of the University of Potsdam
Your qualifications:
- Master of Science (or equivalent) with a natural scientific focus and specialisation in, for example, hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry and/or geophysics
- Programming skills are required (e.g. R, Python, C/C++)
- Profound knowledge in mass transport modelling, statistics, data science and/or machine learning is an advantage
- Strong affinity for the application of numerical simulation programs in the processing of scientific questions
- Ability to work cooperatively in interdisciplinary and international working groups
- Good written and spoken German language skills are required, as the field of work focuses on final disposal in Germany
- Experience or knowledge of the German site selection procedure for final disposal of highly radioactive waste is desirable
Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam
What we offer:
- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Have we piqued your interest?
Please state exactly how you fulfil the required qualifications and what your motivation is to become part of our team in a cover letter that you submit with your application.
Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.
Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.
In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Theresa Hennig via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.