PhD position (f_m_x) on gemechanical-numerical modelling - project SQUARE
Reference Number 7842
In the context of the energy transition and the associated phase-out of coal and nuclear energy, a considerably more intensive use of the underground will be necessary, e.g. for energy storage, usage of deep geothermal systems, or the sequestration of CO2 into the subsurface. Another challenge in the future is the long-term safe storage of high-level nuclear waste into a deep geological repository. These future new and changed utilisation concepts place new demands on the integrity and long-term stability of georeservoirs both directly related to the stress state and its human-induced stress changes.
In this research project, we are offering a PhD position for an ambitious and motivated graduate student to undertake forward geomechanical-numerical modelling of the 3D stress state of the subsurface on reservoir scale. In particular we focus on the quantification and reduction of model uncertainties to provide robust stress state predictions for a sustainable usage of the subsurface. The candidate will be part of the joint project SQUARE funded by the federal ministry of for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer protection (BMUV). The partners of the project are the TU Darmstadt (Prof. Andreas Henk) and the RWTH Aachen (Prof. Florian Wellmann).
Your responsibilities:
- Application, analysis and further processing of different stress information data sets
- Application and expansion of our modelling workflow that is based on the commercial software packages Hypermesh (discretization), Abaqus (Finite Element Solver), and Tecplot 360 EX (visualization)
- Construction and simulation of generic models and a case study using a 3D model of a deep geological repository for high-level nuclear waste from our Swiss partner NAGRA
- Method development for the extension and improvement of model calibration
- 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 or physics
- Affinity for modelling and use of numerical methods
- Basic knowledge in statistics, script languages (Python, Matlab) and numerical tools is an advantage, but no requirement
- Ability to work in a goal-oriented and structured manner
- Strong teamwork and communication skills for working in an interdisciplinary environment
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
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet West)”. 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?
Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. 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. Anyone who has been recognized 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 for the severely disabled at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, 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 at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.
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