Andreas Lorke

Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) is offering a Doctoral Researcher (PhD) position in the Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, at the Institute for Environmental Sciences / Environmental Physics research group in Landau, Germany. The position is part of a DFG-funded research project titled “Understanding methane bubble dynamics in aquatic sediments through a multiscale, multidisciplinary approach.” The project tackles an important question in environmental science: how methane gas forms, grows, migrates, and escapes from aquatic sediments, and how these processes contribute to uncertainty in the global carbon cycle. The doctoral researcher will investigate how the mechanical properties of sediments control methane bubble dynamics across scales, combining laboratory experimentation, field sampling, and theoretical collaboration with international project partners. The role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge questions in environmental physics, sediment mechanics, and aquatic geoscience . Responsibilities include planning and taking part in field campaigns for aquatic sediment sampling, designing and running laboratory experiments on bubble formation and migration, analyzing experimental and field data, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate will contribute to a cumulative doctoral dissertation and present results at national and international conferences. This PhD position is limited to 3 years , starts as soon as possible, and is advertised at 75% part-time with remuneration according to E 13 TV-L . The project provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, participation in field campaigns, close supervision and mentoring, and a collaborative international research environment. The university also highlights flexible working hours, home office options, health promotion, family support, and other campus benefits. Applicants should have an excellent Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, hydrology, physics, physical geography, geosciences, or a closely related discipline. Strong background in soil/sediment mechanics or environmental physics, experience or interest in laboratory and field research, quantitative data analysis skills, excellent English communication skills, and motivation to complete a PhD within three years are emphasized. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF containing a motivation letter, a reference letter from a mentor, degree certificates, and a CV. The deadline is 2026-08-23 . Applications are submitted through the RPTU portal at https://jobs.rptu.de . For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Lorke at [email protected] .