Research Assistant​/Associate (f​/m​/d) [V000011006

Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d)
Doctoral Candidate (w/m/d) EXPLORER

Final date to receive applications: 23/08/2026

Chair of Computational Geoscience, Geothermics and Reservoir Geophysics

The research focus at the Chair CG3 of RWTH Aachen lies in applied geophysics and numerical simulation in the geosciences. Alongside fundamental scientific questions, we work on exciting projects concerning the characterisation and prediction of states and processes related to subsurface utilisation.

Applications Include, For Example

• geothermal energy,
• the search for nuclear waste repositories,
• the sustainable use of raw materials,
• and near-surface geophysics.

Methodologically, we develop

• concepts for simulation and data integration,
• using methods from machine learning and artificial intelligence,
• as well as for uncertainty quantification.

We are actively involved in the development of scientific open-source software (among others Gem Py and pyDoubletCalc). In our petrophysical laboratories we determine hydraulic and thermal rock properties under pressure and at elevated temperatures and, together with field geophysical measurements, cover a broad range of geophysical and geoscientific data integration, modelling and simulation.

In teaching, we contribute to the

B.Sc./M.Sc. programmes „Applied Geosciences“ und „Georesources Management“ of RWTH Aachen () as well as to the international Joint M.Sc. programme „Applied Geophysics“, which we offer together with TU Delft and ETH Zurich ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

For further information, please also visit our website:

You hold an above-average university degree (Master or equivalent) in Geophysics, Geosciences, Computational Science and Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or a related field. You are interested in research and applications in the field of geothermal energy, in particular in probabilistic geological modelling, uncertainty quantification and the development of digital twins. You have solid programming skills in Python and a sound understanding of probability theory, Bayesian statistics and/or Monte Carlo methods;

experience in machine learning is an asset. You work independently, are a team player with good communication skills, and can express yourself correctly and confidently in English. A working knowledge of German is beneficial given the close collaboration with regional project partners (municipal utilities, authorities).

The position is embedded in the BMWE-funded collaborative project EXPLORER – „Exploration Initiative Rhine-Ruhr“, an accompanying research project on deep geothermal energy within the mission „Wärmewende 2045“ of the 8th Energy Research Programme. The project is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems IEG; further collaborative partners are the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, Structural Geology and Tectonics) as well as Stadtwerke Düsseldorf AG and Stadtwerke Duisburg AG as associated partners.

The project aims at the efficient exploration of carbonate reservoirs (Lower and Middle Carboniferous „Kohlenkalk“ and Devonian „Massenkalk“) in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, including the scientific support of two pilot wells in Düsseldorf (2027) and Duisburg (2028).

Within EXPLORER, the Chair CG3 is responsible for the development of a probabilistic digital twin for geothermal exploration. Your tasks include:

• Transferring an existing deterministic 3D model (Geological Survey of North Rhine-Westphalia, GD NRW) into a probabilistic geological model based on implicit geomodelling (Gem Py);
• Designing, moderating and scientifically evaluating an expert-elicitation workshop for structured uncertainty quantification;
• Implementing Monte Carlo forward simulations for the quantification of uncertainties in temperature, permeability and geothermal performance metrics (in particular in coupling with pyDoubletCalc);
• Formulating and implementing suitable likelihood functions for the sequential assimilation of real-time drilling data (wireline logs, drilling parameters,…