PhD Position “Faults and geothermal heat” at the German Research Centre for Geosciences | Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (GFZ)

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national research centre for Earth sciences in Germany. With approx. 1100 employees, the GFZ is conducting interdisciplinary research on the “System Earth” and the influence of humans on the planet. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, it is part of Germany’s largest science organization.

The PhD project will focus on geothermal potential assessment by means of numerical modelling within the framework of the portfolio topic “GEOENERGY” of the Helmholtz Association. Following the political goal of an energy turnaround, “GEOENERGY” combines the competences of the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, the KIT Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the UFZ Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, and seven German universities. One of the research topics of the portfolio topic “GEOENERGY” is “Geothermal energy for heat supply and electricity generation”.

The vacant position is dedicated to the goal of quantifying the influences of fault zones on the thermal and hydraulic field of sedimentary basins. By using numerical 3D models that are validated by observations, the candidate will derive predictions on the thermo-hydraulic-mechanical conditions in the subsurface. A major scientific challenge is to integrate in a unified modelling framework all factors (e.g. types of host and fault zone rocks, fault zone geometry and structure, stress field etc.) that are relevant for the characteristics and behaviour of fault zones. Numerical simulations will reveal how existing fault zones impact the background thermal and hydraulic conditions. Of special interest is to quantify the effects of changes in the main state variables (e.g. temperature, pore pressure) and fault zone properties.

Tasks:

1. Integration of geological and geophysical data into consistent 3D geo-models (e.g. well-log information, seismic data etc.)

2. Numerical simulations of coupled fluid-and-heat transport under consideration of observed subsurface heterogeneities in terms of rock physical properties

3. Investigation of changes in the basic mechanical behaviour of systems as induced by stress field variations with special focus on pre-existing geological heterogeneities (e.g. fault zones) and their feedbacks to the thermo-hydraulic-mechanical configuration of the system (see above)

4. Interpretation und publication of the results

Qualifications:

1. An MSc or diploma degree in Geophysics, Physics or Geosciences is mandatory

2. Basic knowledge in thermo-hydraulic-mechanical relationships in fractured porous media

3. Background in structural geology

4. Background in GIS and geographical data processing

5. Basic knowledge in basin modelling (3D structural modelling, FE modelling, dynamic simulations of coupled physical processes)

6. Programming skills (e.g. Python, Fortran or C/C++) are of advantage

7. Good English language skills

The GFZ is a partner with Geo.X (www.geo-x.net), and as such it is well connected with other geoscience institutions in Potsdam und Berlin. Geo.X forms the largest regional cluster of geoscientific expertise in Europe and offers excellent opportunities for cooperation and development.

You can expect a very diverse and challenging job in an international work environment that is characterized by exciting research projects. The compatibility of work and family life is of particular concern to the GFZ. Therefore, it offers the opportunity for flexible working time and workplaces. Moreover, there is a kindergarten located on the research campus.

Please submit your application by 25. September 2013 quoting the reference no. 54/4/13 G by post to the

Helmholtz Centre Potsdam

GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

Personnel and Social Services

Telegrafenberg

14473 Potsdam

Germany

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Equal opportunity is an inherent part of our personnel policy. Therefore we are particularly welcoming applications from qualified women. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential treatment in the case of equal qualification.

We will retain your application documents for at least three months, even if the application is not successful. They will not be returned.

If you have any questions regarding this job offer, please feel free to call Mr Heinze at +49 (0) 331-288-28878.

For further information also follow the link.