Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Experimental Rock Physics

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 Geoenergy (Department Geosystems), we are looking for a:

Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Experimental Rock Physics

Reference Number 11150

This position is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) MiningBrines (Multidisciplinary Integration and Networking for Increased sustainability and multi-resources valorisation of Geothermal BRINES). MiningBrines offers an innovative doctoral training program addressing Europe’s strategic need for sustainable access to critical raw materials (CRM), energy gases (EG), and renewable energies. Nineteen Doctoral Candidates will receive interdisciplinary training in geosciences, biogeochemistry, artificial intelligence, and socio-economic analysis, equipping them with advanced skills in reservoir modelling, machine learning, advanced oxidation processes, and microbial enhanced recovery. Candidates will also develop intuitive fluid chemistry modelling workflows and innovative multi-criteria decision support tools, preparing them to drive innovation in geothermal brine mining while collaborating with academic and industrial partners.

The offered position focuses on fluid transport processes and fracture sustainability in hot to supercritical geothermal systems, with particular emphasis on the mobilisation of critical elements such as lithium and antimony from granites and schists under medium- to high-enthalpy geothermal conditions (150–400 °C). The research combines reactive long-term flow-through experiments and deformation tests with advanced analytical techniques, including ICP-OES, XRD, XRF, EMPA, TEM, and X-ray CT. Resulting hydraulic, geochemical, and geomechanical data will be used to calibrate coupled reactive flow models, supporting pioneering research at the interface of experimental rock physics, geochemistry, and reactive flow modelling. This project contributes to the development of sustainable approaches for harnessing high-enthalpy and supercritical geothermal resources, offering substantial opportunities for Europe’s energy transition and strategic resource development.

Your responsibilities:

• Select samples from outcrops and perform mineralogical, geochemical, and microstructural analyses using ICP-OES, XRD, XRF, TEM, and X-ray CT
• Plan, execute, and analyse complex long-term petrophysical and geochemical laboratory experiments under simulated reservoir conditions
• Investigate element mobilisation kinetics in granites and mica-schists
• Conduct X-ray CT–monitored geomechanical experiments
• Integrate hydraulic, geochemical, and geomechanical data for calibrating reactive flow models
• Prepare scientific reports, publish results in peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at international scientific conferences

Your qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in geosciences, engineering, physics, or related fields
• Excellent command of spoken and written English (mandatory)
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research
• Pronounced interest in experimental rock physics and geochemistry, ideally proven by dedicated MSc work and/or previous occupation
• Proficient hands-on and analytical skills
• Willingness to work in both lab and field environments
• Interest in THC-modelling desirable; previous experience is an advantage
• Experience in mineralogical and microstructural rock characterisation is a plus
• Ability to work independently in a structured and target-oriented manner
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills for collaboration in an interdisciplinary environment

Eligibility Criteria:

• Researchers recruited in a Doctoral Network must be Early Stage Researchers and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree
• At the time of recruitment, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date (EU mobility rule)

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 
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus 
  

Start date: 1st September 2026
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: Each fellowship includes the following attractive salary (subject to local taxes, social security deductions, etc):

• 4058 €/month gross living allowance
• 710 €/month gross mobility allowance
• When applicable, a family allowance may also be provided in the amount of 660 €/month gross

Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week)

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 30th April 2026.

Please use our online application form only.

Requirements for the application:

• Cover letter including research interests and motivation
• CV including scientific publication list (if applicable)
• Names and contact information of two referees (e.g., former teachers or supervisors, who are asked to send a support letter)
• 1-page critical summary of an article of choice (writing sample)
• Mobility declaration including supporting documentation
• Transcripts and diplomas of master’s degree; if not available, a confirmation from your institution that the degree will be completed by the application deadline
• Approved documentation of proficiency in English

Apply