Doctoral Researcher (m​/f​/d

Job Overview

Reference number: L
Term limitation: limited for 3 years
Beginning: as soon as possible

Location:

Landau
Scope:
Part time 75% (29,25 hours per week)
Remuneration: E 13 TV-L
Department:
Natural and Environmental Sciences – Institut für Umweltwissenschaften: AG Umweltphysik

This position is part of the DFG-funded research project "Understanding methane bubble dynamics in aquatic sediments through a multiscale, multidisciplinary approach." The successful candidate will investigate how the mechanical properties of aquatic sediments control the formation, growth, and migration of methane gas bubbles, combining laboratory experiments, field observations and theoretical modelling.

• Plan, coordinate and participate in field campaigns for aquatic sediment sampling.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments investigating how sediment mechanical properties influence methane bubble formation, migration and release.
• Analyse and interpret experimental and field data to advance the mechanistic understanding of methane bubble dynamics.
• Collaborate closely with project partners working on field observations and theoretical modelling.
• Publish research findings in international peer‑reviewed journals and integrate the results into a cumulative doctoral dissertation.
• Contribute actively to the scientific exchange within the project consortium and present work at national and international conferences.

• Excellent Bachelor's and Master’s degree in a discipline related to environmental physical processes (e.g. environmental science, environmental engineering, hydrology, physics, physical geography, geosciences or a closely related field).
• Strong background in soil or sediment mechanics, environmental physics or a related discipline.
• Genuine interest in combining laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and quantitative data analysis.
• Enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research and collaboration within an international team.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Motivation to publish high‑quality scientific research and complete a PhD within three years.

• Health promotion
• Family Service Center
• Vocational Training
• Flexible working hours and home office options
• Jobticket
• Retirement provision
• Sport & Fitness programmes
• Culture & Leisure offers
• Local recreation in the Palatinate Forest

RPTU stands for diversity among all employees. We welcome applications from all interested parties, regardless of their ethnic and social origin, age, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation or identity. Preference will be given to severely disabled persons and persons equivalent to them if they have the appropriate qualifications and suitability.

The RPTU aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented. Applications from researchers from abroad are expressly encouraged. The appointment will be subject to the German law on fixed‑term contracts in science (WissZeitVG).

Prof. Dr. Andreas Lorke – e‑mail: