PhD position (f_m_x) – Evaluation of sedimentary thermal rock properties

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 4.3 Geoenergie (Department 4: Geosystems), we are looking for a:

PhD position (f_m_x) – Evaluation of sedimentary thermal rock properties

Reference Number 10212

We offer a PhD position focussing on the characterisation of thermal properties of sedimentary rocks with different methods, considering natural and artificial alteration. The knowledge of subsurface thermal properties is essential for temperature models and for a reliable estimation of geothermal potentials. Thermal properties are often obtained by measuring drill cores under ambient conditions. However, these drill cores are normally not stored under in-situ conditions. They are depressurised (missing the lithological pressure), often stored under thermally changing seasonal conditions and in contact with air (oxygen). This causes changes in the rock structure (microfissures), the natural water content and chemical-mineralogical transformations (oxidation of pyrite and organic material, etc.). The influence of these processes on the thermal properties will be systematically analysed using typical sedimentary rocks. This will be based on old and fresh rock material together with a precise characterisation of the material studied. The range of variation will be considered in relation to the natural heterogeneity of the subsurface (e.g., through facies distributions). As the various thermal measurement methods have different measurement geometries and record direction-dependent thermal properties in different ways, a systematic evaluation of existing and possible new measurement strategies, accompanied by model simulation, is part of the work. The aim is to develop correction formula depending on rock types and general recommendations for thermal property characterization on sedimentary rocks using laboratory devices.

Your responsibilities:

• Laboratory characterization of thermal rock properties under different conditions and different methods
• Joint analysis of geological, mineralogical, sedimentological, and petrophysical data
• Elaborate a thorough description of the main composition of reservoir and non-reservoir rocks in the North German Basin, considering the potential correlation of formation (facies), basin position, and thermal rock properties
• Analysis and evaluation of thermal rock properties and construction of digital rock models
• Development of measurement strategies for simultaneous determination of saturation and thermal properties; providing confirmation by modelling and measurement
• Provision of best practice recommendations for rock thermal property determination and of tools for the estimation of alteration effects affecting thermal properties
• Publication of research results in international journals and at conferences
• Collaboration with national and international partners

Your qualifications:

• Master`s degree (or equivalent) in geophysics, geology, geotechnics
• Experiences with geological-mineralogical characterization and the study of sedimentological processes
• Experiences with diagenetic processes and rock alterations desirable
• Basic knowledge of the geology of the North German Basin
• Strong motivation for conducting field and laboratory work
• Skills in numerical modelling (advantageous)
• Fluent in English
• German language skills B2

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 
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• 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 

Start date: 1stApril 2025

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

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application (incl. letter of motivation and CV) by 30th March 2025. Please use our online application form only.

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. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. 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, 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.

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

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. Ben Norden via email or by phone +49 (0)331-6264-1578. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

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