Doctoral researcher, groundwater modeller

About us

The working group Hydrogeology and Landscape Hydrology investigates hydraulic and hydrochemical processes in the aquatic environment, in particular the interaction between surface water and groundwater, coastal hydrogeology, the role of water in ecosystems as well as the behaviour of pollutants in groundwater.

The research unit DynaDeep "The Dynamic Deep Subsurface of High-Energy Beaches” is a collaborative project investigating the hydrodynamic and biogeochemical processes in subterranean estuaries, i.e. the connective zones between land and sea. In Phase 2, the role of reactive zones (‘hot spots’), events (‘hot moments’), and compounds (‘hot stuff’) for the overall turnover of the biogeochemical reactor will be addressed at our central field site on the island Spiekeroog in Germany. The transferability and generalizability of our findings will further be challenged by conducting research at additional beaches in Belgium and France and with different global model approaches. With this interdisciplinary strategy, DynaDeep will elucidate the global relevance of the dynamic deep subsurface of high-energy beaches for carbon, nutrient and trace element cycling. For more information, see also https://uol.de/en/icbm/dynadeep.

Your tasks

The successful candidate will carry out numerical reactive transport modelling within DynaDeep 2. The doctoral candidate will (i) use and extend an existing reactive transport model of our core field site Spiekeroog in order to understand and quantify the major hydrogeochemical processes and their dependency on the dynamic boundary conditions and (ii) test its applicability for one of our validation sites.

Your profile

Requirements:

• University degree (Master or Diploma) in earth or environmental sciences, water engineering, environmental modelling or an equivalent education with hydrogeological components
• Numerical groundwater modelling skills
• Programming skills in scripting languages, preferably Python and/or Matlab
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent English skills
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, intrinsic motivation and a strong interest in collaborative research

Desirable:

• Knowledge of (coastal) groundwater flow and transport processes
• Knowledge of hydrogeochemical processes
• Experience in the software PHREEQC

We offer

• Salary and social benefits in accordance with the regulations of the German salary agreement for public service employees (TV-L)
• An interesting position in an international and interdisciplinary research team
• An open, cooperative, family-friendly working atmosphere
• Opportunities for personal and professional development, e.g. within the graduate school OLTECH 

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information

We are seeking a motivated doctoral researcher within research unit DynaDeep "The Dynamic Deep Subsurface of High-Energy Beaches” (phase 2) at Faculty V, Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences (IBU), Research Group Hydrogeology and Landscape Hydrology starting at the next possible date (earliest 10/2025). 

Please note that the position is subject to the final favorable decision of the German research foundation (DFG) in early July. 

Contact

For further questions please contact Dr. Nele Grünenbaum ([email protected], +49 441 798 4683).