The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland. It conducts cutting‑edge research in future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature, aiming to develop sustainable solutions for society’s major challenges.
For many years the Laboratory for Waste Management has studied the safety and design of geological repositories for radioactive waste and nuclear reactor technologies, combining experimental infrastructure and modeling capabilities.
For a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA‑DN) project we are looking for a PhD Student for MiningBrines DC13: Modelling the evolution of geothermal waters during multi‑resource extraction.
Deadline for the project: 03.03.2026.
* Doctoral
* Job ID: 4403-24190
* 100% full‑time
Your tasks
The project “Modeling workflow development and application for fluid chemistry evolution from extraction to re‑injection” aims to advance the understanding and prediction of fluid behaviour in complex geo‑energy systems. A central objective is to quantify how geological, geochemical, and engineering factors jointly influence fluid composition and, ultimately, the efficiency of geothermal energy production together with extraction of critical minerals.
We will develop a batch‑type geochemical modelling workflow using open‑source tools (e.g. marimo, Jupyter) that calculates chemical processes such as precipitation/dissolution of minerals during transport and processing of geothermal fluids with the PSI GEMS thermodynamic solver. More complex coupled reactive transport processes, for example pipe scaling, will be imported from separate sub‑models or surrogate models. The workflow will enable robust modelling of reactive fluids, phase behaviour, and coupled process interactions upon heat extraction, incorporating microbial, physical, or chemical extraction of critical materials like lithium. Machine‑learning–based sensitivity analysis will identify parameters that most strongly influence model outcomes, quantifying uncertainty and guiding operational decision‑making.
Expected Outcomes
* Develop an easy‑to‑use computational workflow based on open‑source software and the GEMs3K Gibbs‑Energy Minimization (GEM) thermodynamic solver.
* Set up a thermodynamic model (fluid model, thermodynamic database) that can be used in PSI GEM software to model CRM and heat extraction.
* Implement interfaces to results/models from other projects (e.g. Thermo‑Hydro‑Mechanic (WP2, WP3), Thermo‑Hydro‑Chemical (WP3) or Biological (WP4) processes) to understand their influence on CRM and heat extraction.
* (ML‑based) sensitivity analysis to identify influential parameters and evaluate prediction robustness.
* Validate and apply the workflow to case studies from industrial partners.
Your profile
You will be enrolled at the University of Bern and receive your PhD title from the university. This position is part of the Marie Skłodowska Curie Action (MSCA) Doctoral Network (DN) “MiningBrines” (Multidisciplinary Integration and Networking for Increased Sustainability and Multi‑resource Valorisation of Geothermal BRINES). You will have the status of a “SERI‑funded MSCA DN Grantee” and will visit the Geological and Mining Bureau (BRGM) in Orléans, France; University of Neuchâtel in Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Collaboration Betters the World (CBTW) in Germany and VITO in Mol, Belgium for approximately two months each. You will collaborate closely with other MiningBrines research projects and participate in network training and workshops.
Required Qualifications
* Master’s degree in geosciences (geochemistry, geology, geophysics, or a related discipline) with solid knowledge of (geo)chemistry, or a Master’s in chemistry, chemical engineering or related discipline with a strong interest in geoscience applications.
* Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research.
* Excellent command of spoken and written English (mandatory).
Desirable Skills
* Familiarity with thermodynamic and/or (geo‑)chemical software.
* Experience with programming or scripting languages (e.g. Python, R, Matlab).
We offer
PSI: Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from systematic training on the job, personal development possibilities, and a pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to combine work and family life or other personal interests, we can support you with modern employment conditions and on‑site infrastructure.
MiningBrines: An international network of 32 academic and industrial partners across multiple disciplines offers an innovative doctoral training program to address Europe’s strategic need for sustainable access to critical raw materials, energy gases, and renewable energies. You will benefit from interdisciplinary training in geosciences, biogeochemistry, artificial intelligence, and socio‑economic analysis. The position is funded for 36 months with a competitive salary, allowances, and additional funding for technical training and conference participation.
Application instructions
* CV
* Letter of application
* 1‑page critical summary of an article of your choice
* Name of two contact persons (former teachers or supervisors, who are asked to send a support letter)
* Academic credentials
All application documents must be submitted via email to miningbrines@benkei.eu. The email subject must be "Application for DC13 position".
Application Deadline
April 30th, 5 PM CET.
Expected starting date
1 October 2026.
Contact
For further information, please contact Dr Georg Kosakowski, georg.kosakowski@psi.ch.
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
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