Ph.D. student (w/m/d) for the ThermIon project part time 75%
Assessment of resource and potentials of extracting raw materials from geothermal brines in the Upper Rhine Graben
Organizational unit
Institute of Applied Geosciences (AGW)
Job description
The KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) is expanding its geothermal program. The research of the division of Geothermal Energy & Reservoir Technology focuses on scientific and technological challenges of using geothermal energy. Projects are often conducted in an international context and expand from the local Upper Rhine Graben up to South America with numerous partners from academia and industry in application fields worldwide.
Raw materials are crucial to Europe’s economy, forming a strong base for a wide range of technologies used in everyday life. Reliable and unhindered access to certain often critical raw materials is an increasing concern in the EU and globally. Recently, geothermal brines have emerged as a possible resource for raw material extraction. Key questions in this field include the potential and sustainability of these extraction processes.
This research will initially assess the potential raw materials in the Upper Rhine Graben and evaluate possible extraction technologies in close collaboration with industry partners. If viable materials and processes are identified, the next step will involve (geochemical) experimental analysis, leaching experiments from reservoir samples and quantification of mass transfer rates. Finally, the gathered data will be used to develop a thermo-hydraulic-chemical reservoir model to quantify the impact of the extraction processes and predict the applicability and sustainability of raw material extraction from geothermal brines.
Starting date
1. October 2024
Personal qualification
In this context, we are searching for a highly motivated scientist with the ability to integrate in our international working group at KIT. This requests advanced English communication as well as at least basic German language skills. The research questions combine geochemical laboratory work and numerical modeling. The ideal candidate should therefore hold a master’s degree in geosciences or similar with sound interest in aqueous geochemistry and numerical modeling.
This is what we offer
Become a member of staff of the only German University of Excellence that conducts largescale research on the national level. Work under excellent working conditions in an international environment and be active in research and academic education for our future. Benefit from specific training when starting your job and from a wide range of further qualification offers. Use our flexible working time models (flexitime, work from home), our sports and leisure offers, as well as our child and holiday care services. We also pay a share of EUR 25/month in the Job Ticket Baden-Württemberg. Enjoy a large variety of dishes, snacks, and beverages at our canteens.
Salary
Salary category 13 TV-L, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements.
Contract duration
limited to 3 years
Application up to
January 31, 2025
Contact person in line-management
For further information, please contact Dr. Fabian Nitschke, phone +49 721 608-45269.
Please apply online using the button below for this vacancy number 1485/2024.
Vacancy number: 1485/2024We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job. Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.
Contact
Personnel Support is provided by:
Personalservice (PSE) – Human Resources
Ms Kehrer
Phone: 0721 608-45415,
Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe