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The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within
Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health
innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions
for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations.
Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300
people.
For many years the Laboratory for Waste Management has conducted multi-disciplinary research on safety and design of
geological repositories for radioactive waste and flows relevant to nuclear reactor technologies using a unique
combination of experimental infrastructure and modelling 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
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 behavior in complex geo energy systems from
extraction to re-injection. 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.
To achieve this, a batch type geochemical modelling workflow will be developed using open source tools (e.g. marimo,
jupyter) that allows to calculate chemical processes (e.g. 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 scaling of pipes, shall be imported from separate sub-models or as surrogate models. The
workflow will enable robust modeling of reactive fluids, phase behavior, and coupled process interactions upon heat
extraction in combination with microbial, physical, or chemical extraction of critical materials like lithium. Once
established, the workflow will be tested and refined through case studies provided by industrial partners, ensuring
direct relevance to real world challenges and facilitating technology transfer.
Machine learning–based sensitivity analysis will be incorporated to identify the parameters that most strongly
influence model outcomes. This component will help quantify uncertainty, highlight key leverage points for operational
decision making, and evaluate the robustness of predictions under varying operational conditions.
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 of a thermodynamic model (fluid model, thermodynamic data base) that can be used in PSI GEM software to model
CRM and heat extraction
- Implementation of 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
- Test and apply the workflow to case studies from industrial partners
You will be enrolled at the University of Bern and receive your PhD title from University of Bern. This position is
part of the Marie Sklodowska Curie Action (MSCA) Doctoral Network (DN) “MiningBrines” (Multidisciplinary Integration
and Networking for Increased sustainability and multi-resources valorization of Geothermal BRINES. You will have the
status as a “SERI-funded MSCA DN Grantee”. As part of the MSCA DN, you 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 ca. 2 months each. You will collaborate closely with the other MiningBrines
research projects and participate in network training and workshops.
Your profile
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in geosciences (such as geochemistry, geology, geophysics, or a related discipline) with a solid
knowledge of (geo)chemistry, or alternatively, master’s degree 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:
- You are familiar with thermodynamic and/or (geo-)chemical software
- You have experience with programming or scripting languages (e.g. Python, R, Matlab, ...)
Horizon Europe MSCA Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies,
etc.) in the country of the host organization (Switzerland) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before
the recruitment date – unless as part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status
under the Geneva Convention. Horizon Europe MSCA Eligibility Criteria: Doctoral Candidates (DC) must, at the date of
recruitment by the host organization, have not been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must be eligible to enroll on
a PhD program at University of Bern.
We offer
PSI: Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a
systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational
training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to
support you with our modern employment conditions and the 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 an 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.
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application online and send:
- their CV
- a letter of application
- a 1-page critical summary of an article of their choice
- the name of two contact persons (former teachers or supervisors, who are asked to send a support letter)
- academic credentials
All the application documents must be submitted via email to miningbrines@benkei.eu. The email subject must be
“Application for DC13 position” .
Application Deadline (date and time zone): April 30th, 5PM CET Applications and enclosures received after the deadline
will not be considered.
Expected starting date: 1 October 2026 Please avoid any questions on the status of the selection process. We will
inform you as soon as there is an update.
Candidates whose application is not compliant with the requirements above will not be considered.
More information and other vacant positions within the MiningBrines project can be found via the <euraxess website> .
For further information, please contact Dr Georg Kosakowski, georg.kosakowski@psi.ch.
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerlandwww.psi.chApply now