Reference Number
10655
We offer a position for scientists focusing on geothermal field development and the integrated management of subsurface resources in urban environments. The position includes the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree (Dr.-Ing. \/ Dr. rer. nat.). The research approach aims to provide scientific support for geothermal field development in the city of Potsdam. Core questions involve risk assessment of multi-stage operational processes in larger geothermal fields. \n
The research examines coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in shallow to medium-depth geothermal systems, with an emphasis on the complex, multi-scale characterisation and simulation of THMC interactions in reservoir structures used simultaneously for geothermal production, heat storage, and drinking water extraction. A component of the role is to provide scientific support to our industrial partner, the Potsdam municipal utility (EWP), during the development of the geothermal site. \n
Your responsibilities: \n
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1. Serve as the primary technical contact at GFZ for the development of the geothermal field in Potsdam and provide scientific advice to the Potsdam municipal utility (EWP) during all project phases \n
2. Coordinate GFZ\u2019s scientific contributions and internal project activities \n
3. Analyse geological, mineralogical, sedimentological, and petrophysical data, including related laboratory work \n
4. Assess well integrity using scientific methods \n
5. Further develop a comprehensive geological-petrophysical model of Potsdam\u2019s subsurface by integrating drilling and monitoring data \n
6. Design and evaluate strategies for subsurface development, including risk assessments for geothermal energy production, heat storage, and drinking water protection \n
7. Provide scientific support for reservoir engineering, drilling technology, energy extraction, and grid integration \n
8. Prepare and\/or contribute to expert reports and evaluations for the project \n
9. Publish research findings in international scientific journals and present them at conferences \n
10. Participate in project-related meetings (including at the request of EWP) \n
11. Prepare accompanying third-party funding applications \n
12. Collaborate with national and international partners \n
Your qualifications: \n
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13. Master\u2019s degree (or equivalent) in Geothermal Energy, Drilling Engineering, Mining, Petroleum Engineering, or a closely related field \n
14. Solid knowledge of drilling technology, subsurface characterisation, and numerical modelling \n
15. Basic knowledge of well construction, drilling operations, and field development planning \n
16. Experience with numerical modelling tools or data analysis software \n
17. Ability and interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment and coordinating technical areas \n
18. Very good command of English \n
19. Excellent command of German \n
20. Experience in field operations or well planning \n
What we offer: \n
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21. Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment \n
22. State-of-the-art equipment \n
23. Public service benefits \n
24. Extensive training opportunities \n
25. Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre \n
26. Flexible working hours and conditions \n
27. Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work \n
28. Institute day-care centre on site\u00a0 \n
29. Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam \n
30. Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus\u00a0 \n Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to \u201cTV\u00f6D Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)\u201d. 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 \n\n
Have we piqued your interest? \nIf so, we look forward to receiving your application (CV and Cover letter) by 11th September 2025. \u00a0Please use our online application form only.\n \n\n
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. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer. \n
\u201cDiversity in perspectives\u201d 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,\u00a0which 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. \n\n
Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure based on 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. \n\nIn case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Sven Fuchs 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.","validThrough":"2025-09-11T23:59:59+02:00","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum f\u00fcr Geoforschung","sameAs":"http:\/\/www.gfz.de","logo":"https:\/\/gfz.concludis.de\/download\/design\/MTU2OTQyMA==\/GFZ_concludis.jpg"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Potsdam","postalCode":"14473","addressCountry":"DE"}},"employmentType":["PART_TIME","TEMPORARY"]}