Researcher (Postdoctoral) – Geophysical Modeling of Geothermal Systems (f/m/x) Wiss2604-02

Researcher (Postdoctoral) –

Geophysical Modeling of Geothermal Systems (f/m/x)

Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.

Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne

make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in

science, technology, and administration.

We invite applications for a position as a funded researcher WE OFFER

within the EU project FindHeat “A Novel Exploration Toolkit » An Interdisciplinary research project

for Finding Geothermal Heat Efficiently and Sustainably” » A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

(www.findheat.eu). » Support in balancing work and family life

The successful candidate will conduct research across » Extensive advanced training opportunities

multiple geothermal play types to characterise and quantify » Occupational health management offers

geophysical signatures linked to the primary geological and » Flexible working time models

hydrological controls on geothermal resources. The focus » Opportunity to work remotely

will be on electromagnetic (EM) methods, potentially in

combination with complementary geophysical techniques, The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and

to reduce subsurface uncertainty and de-risk exploration. diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accord-

The position is initially available for 18 months, with a possi- ance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westbility of extension. phalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also

expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates

regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social

Your Tasks

origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

» Building and constraining geophysical models

(e.g. electrical conductivity, density) using quantitative

The position is available from July 2026 on a full-time

constraints derived from structural geology and reservoir

basis (39,83 hours per week) The position is to be filled

models

for a fixed term. If the applicant meets the relevant wage

» Developing and applying 3-D EM modelling workflows

requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifica-

(forward and/or inverse) to reduce subsurface

tions, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L

uncertainty and characterize geothermal systems

of the pay scale for the German public sector.

» Integrating results and quantifying the value of the data

in the scope of geothermal exploration

» Publishing scientific results, supporting project Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications

deliverables, and presentations without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de.

The reference number is Wiss2604-02. The application

deadline is 15 May 2026.

Your Profile

» Doctoral degree in geophysics/earth sciences (or related

For further inquiries, please contact PD Dr Alexander Grayver

field) with experience in geothermal exploration

(agrayver@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.

» Demonstrated expertise in EM methods and practical

experience with 3-D modelling (knowledge of structural

and reservoir modelling is an advantage, along with prior

experience with software such as RRM Imperial, DARTS,

and CSMP++)

» Programming skills in Python and/or C++, and familiarity

with Git + VS Code workflows. Experience with 3-D

visualization tools such as ParaView/VTK is an advantage

» Good scientific communication skills in English