PhD Position in the Hydrogeology Workgroup at the University of Tubingen 2026

We invite applications for a PhD position in the Hydrogeology workgroup at the University of Tübingen, Germany, to work on a joint project with Helmut Schmidt University Hamburg that has recently been funded by the German Research Council (DFG). The aim of this project is to investigate how microbially mediated pore-scale processes affect the overall efficiency of underground hydrogen storage systems. The PhD candidate will be supervised by Dr. Tao Yuan and co-supervised by Prof. Olaf A. Cirpka. 

Responsibilities:

1. Develop a pore-scale model for two-phase flow of hydrogen gas and brine
2. Develop a bioreactive-transport model and couple it with the two-phase flow framework
3. Investigate pore-scale coupled interactions between hydrogen gas, brine, solutes, minerals, and microbes
4. Collaborate with the project partner to develop an upscaling workflow that implements pore-scale results into Darcy-scale models
5. Validate the models using literature data
6. Publish high-quality articles in peer-reviewed journals in the field
7. Present research outcomes at national and international conferences

Table of Content

• Summary
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 15, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Tübingen
• City to studyBaden-Württemberg
• School to studyUniversity of Tübingen
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Requirements

Basic Qualifications: 

1. A completed M.Sc. degree in Hydrogeology, Geosciences, Fluid Mechanics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
2. Strong proficiency in English
3. Capability to work independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with multi-phase flow simulation, reactive-transport simulation, groundwater flow simulation, and model development
2. Basic knowledge of numerical methods for solving nonlinear systems of partial differential equations (e.g., finite volume method, finite element method)
3. Experience with open-source CFD software such as OpenFOAM, PFLOTRAN, or DuMux, and geochemistry software such as PHREEQC

The university is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. It therefore takes an individual’s situation into account and asks for relevant information. People with disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified. The University of Tübingen strives to increase the proportion of women in research and strongly encourages qualified women to apply.

Application Documents

• A CV
• Amotivation letter describing your research interests and reasons for applying
• Copies of transcripts (BSc and MSc degrees)
• Names and email addresses of two references

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applicants should submit a single PDF file containing relevant Application documents via Email to Dr. Tao Yuan: [email protected].

For more information, kindly visit the University of Tübingen website.