PhD Student / Research Assistant (f/m/d) on "Shallow Geothermal Energy"

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is our goal to make significant contributions to mastering the global challenges of mankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees of KIT cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in research, academic education, and innovation.

We are looking for the Institute of Applied Geosciences (AGW) as soon as possible, limited for 30 months, for a

PhD Student / Research Assistant (f/m/d) on "Shallow Geothermal Energy"

We are seeking a PhD student to join the research project IGWN (Innovative Geothermal-based Heating Networks) to investigate the potential for shallow geothermal energy systems in the German region of Ober­schwaben. Your task will be to develop analy­tical and numerical approaches for quantifying the available amount of heat and cold in the subsurface in 2D and 3D. In this context, you will also deal with spatial uncertainties in the geo­logical and hydro­geological boundary conditions by employing geostatistical methods. Accounting for eco­nomic aspects as well, you will develop concepts for geothermal exploration and use, and present these in work­shops with local stake­holders.

You will be part of a collaborative project with national partners from universities, research insti­tutions and industry. The project aims at contri­buting to the develop­ment of concepts and demonstration sites for geothermal solutions for heating supply in the region of Oberschwaben.

If eligible, you will join the PhD program at the KIT Department of Civil Engineering, Geo and Environmental Science, where you have the option to complete a PhD.

Personal qualification

• You have a university degree (Master) in one of the following disciplines: Applied Geosciences, Geophysics, Environmental Engineering or a comparable degree.
• Experience in analytical and numerical modelling of heat and mass transport in the subsurface and programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB) is required.
• Knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS) is beneficial.
• Fluent German skills are required.

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.

We 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.

Please apply online until August 31, 2025 using the vacancy number 1212/2025 to Ms Jana Kehrer, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Human Resources, Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany. For further information, please contact PD Dr. Kathrin Menberg, menberg@kit.edu.

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