PhD Position - Techno-economic assessment of geothermal plants with material co-production in e[...]

Your Job

Critical Raw Materials (CRM) are those raw materials with unique properties that are economically and strategically important for the European economy and energy transition towards a carbon neutral future. Geothermal wells are located all over Europe and contain various minerals such as Lithium or Boron and energetic gases such as hydrogen and methane. Currently these geothermal wells are mostly used for their heat-energy properties. The MiningBrines project funded by the EU Horizon program aims to develop a strategy to extract CRM and other materials from geothermal brines while at the same time continuing to supply renewable energy. Your goal as one of 19 international PhD candidates within the project is to evaluate the economic viability of geothermal plants that produce power, heat, and critical materials by comparing them to other energy sources and extraction methods, while considering future demand, price trends, and incorporating data on resource productivity, innovative extraction methods, and social acceptance. For this you will work together with project partners to retrieve real world techno‑economic data as a foundation for integrating geothermal plants into European energy system models based on the institute’s own open‑source FINE framework

Tasks

• Implement geothermal plants with material co‑production in energy system optimisation models including reservoir productivity predictions, novel surface processes for CRM extraction, CO₂ reinjection, and reconversion of decommissioned oil wells.
• Economically evaluate traditional material extraction methods and project future demand and price trends of critical materials.
• Identify specific conditions under which geothermal plants are economically viable and cost competitive in energy systems.
• Further assess the strategic role of geothermal plants with material co‑production in future European energy systems.

Your Profile

• Very good results in your Master’s degree in the field of energy technologies, engineering, environmental sciences, renewable energies, industrial engineering, materials and geosciences or a related field.
• Great interest in energy technology, energy economics and policy issues.
• Experience in programming with Python or a comparable programming language.
• Experience in energy system modelling is an advantage.
• Highly motivated and able to work independently and in an analytical manner.
• Reliable and conscientious working style with a high level of self‑organisation and time‑management skills.
• Fluent command of written and spoken English is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR); German language skills are advantageous.
• According to the mobility regulations of Marie‑Sklodowska‑Curie actions you must not have lived or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the last three years.

Our Offer

• INTERDISCIPLINARY TRAINING: An interdisciplinary training program, including academic research, international mobility, and industrial immersion.
• INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION: Collaboration with 32 international project partners and 18 other PhD candidates.
• SECONDMENTS ABROAD: Four secondments to industrial and academic project partners in France, Croatia, Turkey and Hamburg (Germany).
• NETWORKING & EXCHANGE: Participation in national and international conferences and workshops.
• TEAM & ENVIRONMENT: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe.
• RESEARCH & INFRASTRUCTURE: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work.
• SUPERVISION & SUPPORT: Continuous professional support from your scientific supervisor.
• DOCTORAL STRUCTURE: The opportunity to complete a doctoral thesis within three years through professional supervision and internal support services.
• WORK‑LIFE BALANCE: Flexible working hours and the option of flexible working (in terms of location). You also have the option of flexible working after consultation.
• VACATION: You will receive 30 days of vacation.
• SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: International Advisory Service to help international employees get started.
• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Targeted and individual support, e.g. through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral students (HITEC):
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Remuneration is part of the EU funding programme ‘Marie Sklodowska‑Curie’ and depends on the personal requirements of the applicant.
• FIXED‑TERM: The position is for a fixed term of three years.

Further information about the project can be found here:

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realise their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on the targeted promotion of women: