Research Assistant / Associate (f/m/d) - DTXplore - inversion

Weitere Informationen

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled by 9/1/2026 and offered for a fixed term of 3 years.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a part-time position (75 % of the standard weekly hours for full-time employees).
The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

Unser Profil

The research focus at the Chair CG³ of RWTH Aachen University lies in applied geophysics and numerical simulation in the geosciences. We develop innovative approaches for the characterisation and prediction of subsurface processes, combining geophysical inversion, geological modelling, data integration, and uncertainty quantification.

We are actively involved in the development of scientific open-source software (e.g. GemPy) and work at the interface of geoscience, computational science, and machine learning.

In teaching, we contribute to the B.Sc./M.Sc. programmes „Applied Geosciences“ and „Georesources Management“ of RWTH Aachen (www.fgeo.rwth-aachen.de) as well as to the international Joint M.Sc. programme „Applied Geophysics“, which we offer together with TU Delft and ETH Zurich (www.idealeague.org/geophysics).

For further information, please also visit our website: www.cg3.rwth-aachen.de

Ihr Profil

You hold an above-average university degree (Master or equivalent) in Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or a related discipline.

You have a strong interest in inverse problems, subsurface modelling, and uncertainty quantification, and ideally bring:

• experience in numerical modelling and programming (e.g. Python)
• knowledge of geophysical methods and/or inversion techniques
• interest in probabilistic modelling and data assimilation
• ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team
• strong communication skills in English

Knowledge of German is an advantage.

Ihre Aufgaben

The position is embedded in the BMFTR-funded project DTXplore, which develops a digital twin framework for mineral exploration, integrating geological knowledge, geophysical data, and AI-supported modelling across multiple spatial scales.

This PhD project focuses on the development of geophysically constrained inversion and data assimilation methods within a digital twin framework.

Your tasks include:

• Development of geologically constrained geophysical inversion methods
• Coupling of geophysical data (e.g. gravity, seismic, electrical) with 3D geological models and objects
• Implementation of inversion approaches that integrate geological constraints derived from mineral system concepts and ontologies
• Implementation of hierarchical data assimilation strategies to dynamically update geological models as new data become available
• Validation using real-world datasets from industry and geological surveys
• Contribution to reducing exploration uncertainty and improving subsurface characterisation
• Collaborative research-stays in Australia
• Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at international conferences

The position offers the opportunity to develop an independent research profile at the interface of geophysics, inversion theory, and digital subsurface modelling, with the goal of completing a doctoral degree. In addition, participation in teaching within our B.Sc. and M.Sc. programmes (lectures, exercises, supervision of theses) is welcome.

Please send the completed questionnaire on

https://rwth-aachen.sciebo.de/s/KhF2nxYuxMpkwyotogether with your application documents to job@cg3.rwth-aachen.de.

Über uns

RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university. As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports. Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia. When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual.
In keeping with RWTH’s commitment to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application.
Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Besoldung / Entgelt

EG 13 TV-L