PhD Research Assistant in Geotechnics at Helmut Schmidt University Helmut Schmidt University in Germany

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering at Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Bundeswehr Hamburg is advertising a scientific staff position in geotechnics within the Professorship for Geotechnics. The role is associated with a DFG-funded third-party research project on the vertical bearing capacity of open profiles in cohesive soils, with particular attention to possible soil plug formation.

The position is a 3-year fixed-term appointment at TVöD E13, with 39 hours per week. It is a research-focused post in a strong geotechnical environment, where the professorship's main areas include numerical and experimental geotechnics, boundary value problems with large deformations, soil mechanics, ground dynamics, digitalization in geotechnics, and construction methods in geotechnics.

Core research tasks include the planning, implementation, and evaluation of large-scale field tests to study soil plug formation at full scale, the development and execution of laboratory experiments to quantify plug bearing capacity in cohesive soils, and numerical simulations of pile installation in cohesive soils considering pore water and installation method. The research outcomes are to be translated into practical recommendations and calculation approaches, and the successful candidate is expected to present findings at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

The advertisement explicitly notes the possibility of scientific qualification, including doctoral work or habilitation. In addition, the role includes general administrative duties and academic service tasks within university self-governance. This makes the position suitable for a candidate seeking a research-intensive academic career in geotechnical engineering with a blend of experiment, simulation, and practical application.

Applicants should hold a successfully completed university degree (Diplom or Master) in an engineering discipline, especially civil engineering, computational engineering, computer science, geophysics, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include German and English language skills at least at B2 level, knowledge of numerical modelling and/or measurement techniques, manual dexterity, interest in laboratory and in-situ practical work, and a strong commitment to academic research.

Applications must be submitted electronically as a PDF with the reference number BIW-0726. The application deadline is 2026-08-30. The contact person for technical questions is Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Henke at Helmut Schmidt University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering, Professorship for Geotechnics.

Helmut Schmidt University is located in Hamburg, Germany. The post includes standard public-sector employment benefits such as annual special payment, occupational pension, flexible working hours, job ticket support, family-friendly options, and development opportunities.