Doctoral researcher, groundwater modeller Collaborative Research unit DynaDeep

About us:

We are seeking a motivated doctoral researcherwithin research unit Dyna Deep "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 Hydrologystarting at the next possible date.

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 Dyna Deep 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 ofreactive 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, Dyna Deep 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

The successful candidate will carry out large-scale machine-learning-based surrogate modelling within Dyna Deep 2. The doctoral candidate will (i) use existing reactive transport models of our core field site Spiekeroog and validation sites to developed computationally lean surrogate models to employ them for mass budgeting of important nutrients on global scale, (ii) in cooperation with project partners extend an existing global attribute database for feeding into the global modelling framework.

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
• Experience in machine-learning / surrogate modelling
• Excellent English skills
• Intrinsic motivation and a strong interest in collaborative research

Desirable:

• Knowledge of coastal hydrogeology
• Knowledge of hydrogeochemical processes

• 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

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.