With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.
Scientific researcher (PhD) position
for a duration of three years as a part-time position (75%, 30 hours per week) starting on the 1. The position in within the project TRANSFER (Training and Research Academy for Nuclear Safety and Future Expertise on Geological Repository Systems), which is jointly funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE). The consortium brings together five Helmholtz Centres and five universities, and is coordinated by the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. You will benefit from tailored support, interdisciplinary training, and targeted preparation for careers in academia, industry, or policy and societal consulting.
The research focus in Jena is on the Upscaling of geological heterogeneity at the pore scale using deep Learning (DL) and you will be supervised by Dr. Work on an own scientific qualification project (doctorate).
Develop, coordinate, manage and publish research projects within the field of "Upscaling geological heterogeneity at the pore scale using deep learning".
Validate deep learning predictions against laboratory-scale measurements (porosity, permeability, NMR, MICP, Darcy-scale flow tests).
Support and contribute to multiscale sample characterization, including XRD, SEM/FIB-SEM, µXRF, BET, MICP, NMR, and geochemical analyses.
Present results at national and international conferences and contribute to high-impact journal publications.
Contribute to project organisation, documentation, and reporting in coordination with national partners.
Support teaching activities of the institute (e.g., exercises, supervision of student assistants, BSc/MSc theses).
Strong motivation to pursue a doctoral degree in the field of pore-scale modelling, digital rock physics, and deep learning.
Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, and experience with scientific computing or working with big data.
Ability to work independently on complex research tasks while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific writing skills, with enthusiasm for publishing high-quality research.
Willingness to participate in international conferences and engage with national project partners.
Very good English communication skills (written and spoken); German language skills or willingness to learn are beneficial.
High level of reliability, scientific curiosity, and commitment to completing a PhD in the project's timeframe.
Participation in diverse experimental and theoretical research projects with a strong Interdisciplinary research at the interface between Geosciences, Environmental Engineering and reservoir engineering.
~ A secure job in the 'City of Light' Jena with attractive leisure and recreational offers.
~ A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL).
~ Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at / up to salary scale 13 - depending on the candidate's personal qualifications-, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
~30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31.
This is a part-time position with 75% of the working hours of a full-time employee (30 hours per week).
Then apply by 28.12.2025 using our online form.