PhD Student for Mining Brines / PhD Studentess for Mining Brines

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, focusing on fluid composition and the efficiency of geothermal energy production alongside the extraction of critical minerals.

To achieve this goal, a batch-type geochemical modeling workflow will be developed using open-source tools (e.g., Marimo, Jupyter). This workflow will facilitate the calculation of chemical processes (such as precipitation/dissolution of minerals) during the transport and processing of geothermal fluids with the PSI GEMS thermodynamic solver. More complex coupled reactive transport processes, including pipe scaling, will be integrated from separate sub-models or surrogate models. The workflow will enable robust modeling of reactive fluids, phase behavior, and coupled process interactions upon heat extraction, along 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 assist in quantifying uncertainty, highlighting key leverage points for operational decision-making, and evaluating 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 critical raw materials (CRM) and heat extraction.
• Implement interfaces to results/models from related 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.
• Conduct machine learning-based sensitivity analysis to identify influential parameters and evaluate prediction robustness.
• Test and apply the workflow to case studies from industrial partners.

Your Profile

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in geosciences (such as geochemistry, geology, geophysics, or a related discipline) with a solid understanding 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.).

We Offer

PSI: Our institution promotes interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will benefit from systematic on-the-job training, personal development opportunities, and our commitment to vocational training culture. We also offer modern employment conditions and on-site infrastructure to help you effectively balance work with family life and personal interests.

MiningBrines: An international network of 32 academic and industrial partners across various disciplines provides an innovative doctoral training program tailored to Europe’s strategic need for sustainable access to critical raw materials, energy gases, and renewable energies. You will receive interdisciplinary training in geosciences, biogeochemistry, artificial intelligence, and socio-economic analysis. This position is funded for 36 months, offering 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 you meet all stated requirements, as only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

**Expected starting date:** 1 October 2026.

For further information, please contact Dr. Georg Kosakowski at georg.kosakowski@psi.ch or reach out to the Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.