Research Scientist / Reservoir Engineer (f_m_x) - Hydraulic Stimulation for EGS

GFZ is Germany’s national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting‑edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth’s system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

Research Scientist / Reservoir Engineer (f_m_x) – Hydraulic Stimulation for EGS

Reference Number 11206

UPLIFT (Unlocking Petrothermal Lithologies through Innovative Fracture Technologies) brings together key European EGS industry and research institutions to demonstrate, at Czechia’s leading energy research site RINGEN, how multi‑stage Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) stimulation can be efficiently implemented in Europe, while reducing technical, social, and environmental risks. This includes adaptive stimulation designs for more efficient and safe permeability enhancement and micro‑turbine drilling for improved reservoir access. To support this, we will investigate the self‑propelling behaviour of European basement rocks through laboratory experiments and benchmark these results against acid and proppant‑based stimulation methods, and we will compare water‑only with proppant‑based stimulation treatments in the Bedretto Underground Laboratory. Additionally, we will develop high‑fidelity, physics‑based Digital Twins to guide stimulation designs, as well as fast surrogate models for real‑time operational decision‑making.

As research scientist, you will have the unique opportunity to support the planning, supervision and analysis of innovative hydraulic stimulation treatments at the RINGEN Enhanced Geothermal System site in Litomerice, Czech Republic.

Your responsibilities:

• Co‑lead the stimulation works
• Analyse the hydraulic data in context with geology and seismicity
• Compare different stimulation approaches and injection protocols including adaptive injection
• Contribute to detailed operational planning
• Contribute to techno‑economic impact assessment
• Contribute to transferring the results to other geological settings

Your qualifications:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD degree (or equivalent) in reservoir/petroleum engineering, drilling/completion engineering, applied geosciences, geology, environmental sciences, geophysics, or equivalent
• Background in Enhanced Geothermal Systems or hydraulic stimulation
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• High motivation and creativity, as well as a result‑oriented, structured and reliable working attitude
• Excellent communication skills

• German language skills are useful, but no requirement

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State‑of‑the‑art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunitiesProfessional career advice offered by our in‑house Career‑Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work‑life balance offered by
• Institute day‑care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed term: 3 years

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to "TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)". The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.

Working hours: Full‑time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part‑time work.

Place of work: Potsdam