PhD Student for Mining Brines DC13: Modelling the Evolution of Geothermal Waters during Multi-Resource Extraction / PhD Student for Mining Brines 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, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of geothermal energy production alongside the extraction of critical minerals.

To achieve this, a batch-type geochemical modeling workflow will be developed using open-source tools (e.g., Marimo, Jupyter) that allows for calculating chemical processes (e.g., precipitation/dissolution of minerals) during the transport and processing of geothermal fluids with the PSI GEMS thermodynamic solver. More complex coupled reactive transport processes, such as scaling of pipes, shall be integrated from separate sub-models or surrogate models. The workflow will enable robust modeling of reactive fluids, phase behavior, and coupled process interactions during heat extraction, combined 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 a thermodynamic model (fluid model, thermodynamic database) that can be used in PSI GEM software to model CRM and heat extraction.
• Implement interfaces to results/models from other projects (e.g., Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (WP2, WP3), Thermo-Hydro-Chemical (WP3) or Biological (WP4) processes) to understand their influence on CRM and heat extraction.
• Conduct (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 the 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 of 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 Switzerland, Collaboration Betters the World (CBTW) in Germany, and VITO in Mol, Belgium for approximately two 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, a master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline with a strong interest in geoscience applications.
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English (mandatory).

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with thermodynamic and/or (geo-)chemical software.
• Experience with programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, Matlab, etc.).

Mobility and Eligibility Criteria

Horizon Europe MSCA Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the recruitment date, unless as part of 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 in a PhD program at the University of Bern.

We Offer

PSI: Our institution is founded on interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will benefit from systematic training on the job, alongside personal development opportunities and our strong vocational training culture. We support you with modern employment conditions and on-site infrastructure to effectively balance work and family life or other personal interests.

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 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 apply online using the form below. Please ensure that your application includes:

• Your CV
• A letter of application
• A 1-page critical summary of an article of your choice
• The names of two contact persons (former teachers or supervisors) who are prepared to provide a letter of support
• Your academic credentials

Application Deadline

Date and Time Zone: April 30th, 5 PM CET. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Expected Starting Date

October 1st, 2026

For any inquiries, please reach out to Dr. Georg Kosakowski at georg.kosakowski@psi.ch.

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.