Anja Klotzsche

This PhD position at IBG-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich, is part of the DFG Research Unit 'Fast and Invisible: Conquering Subsurface Stormflow through an Interdisciplinary Multi-Site Approach.' The project addresses the mechanisms controlling subsurface stormflow (SSF), a major challenge in hydrology and environmental geophysics. The doctoral researcher will advance process-based understanding of SSF by integrating state-of-the-art geophysical methods, controlled field experiments, and numerical modeling. Field campaigns will be conducted at four trenched hillslope research sites in Germany and Austria, enabling systematic investigation of SSF dynamics under controlled yet realistic conditions. The research will focus on analyzing SSF patterns across all sites using an integrated geophysical and modeling approach. High-resolution subsurface characterization will employ electromagnetic induction (EMI), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and ground penetrating radar (GPR), complemented by soil sensors and borehole data. Special emphasis is placed on combining borehole and surface GPR, as well as small-scale EMI measurements in experimental settings. In addition to fieldwork, the PhD candidate will develop novel inversion algorithms for EMI and GPR based on full-waveform inversion techniques, enabling quantitative, high-resolution, time-lapse monitoring of soil properties. These methods will be implemented using high-performance parallel computing. The position offers extensive experience in field experiments, data analysis, numerical modeling, and scientific programming, contributing to fundamental advances in subsurface flow processes. Main responsibilities include developing and applying high-resolution time-lapse GPR and EMI imaging methods, designing and implementing novel inversion algorithms, identifying links between hydrogeophysical parameters and subsurface flow, and improving small-scale process understanding to inform larger scale hydrological models. The project connects novel processing and inversion techniques to experimental data from different regions and links findings to critical zone processes. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, geoscience, computational geoscience, or related natural sciences with at least a 'good' grade. Experience in programming (MATLAB, Python, C/C++), advanced numerical methods, and geophysical fieldwork (preferably GPR and EMI) is required. Strong English writing skills (B2 CEFR or higher), good communication and organizational skills, a driver’s license (or willingness to obtain), and physical work capability are essential. The position is funded for 3 years, starting September 2026, with pay at 75% of pay group 13 TVöD-Bund, including a Christmas bonus and 30 days annual leave. PhD students are encouraged to attend international conferences and may undertake a three-month research stay abroad. The working environment is interdisciplinary, diverse, and inclusive, with targeted services for international employees and structured continuing education via JuDocS. Further information is available on the IBG-3 website and through Prof. Dr. Anja Klotzsche. Applications should be submitted online via the provided link. Prepare your CV, cover letter, and supporting documents, including proof of English proficiency and relevant experience. Contact Prof. Dr. Anja Klotzsche for further information if needed. Ensure all application materials are submitted before the deadline.

This PhD position at IBG-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich, is part of the DFG Research Unit 'Fast and Invisible: Conquering Subsurface Stormflow through an Interdisciplinary Multi-Site Approach.' The project addresses the mechanisms controlling subsurface stormflow (SSF), a major challenge in hydrology and environmental geophysics. The doctoral researcher will advance process-based understanding of SSF by integrating state-of-the-art geophysical methods, controlled field experiments, and numerical modeling. Field campaigns will be conducted at four trenched hillslope research sites in Germany and Austria, enabling systematic investigation of SSF dynamics under controlled yet realistic conditions. The research will focus on analyzing SSF patterns across all sites using an integrated geophysical and modeling approach. High-resolution subsurface characterization will utilize electromagnetic induction (EMI), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and ground penetrating radar (GPR), complemented by soil sensors and borehole data. Special emphasis is placed on combining borehole and surface GPR, as well as small-scale EMI measurements in experimental settings. In addition to fieldwork, the PhD candidate will develop novel inversion algorithms for EMI and GPR based on full-waveform inversion techniques, aiming for quantitative, high-resolution, time-lapse monitoring of soil properties. These methods will be implemented using high-performance parallel computing. The position offers extensive experience in field experiments, data analysis, numerical modeling, and scientific programming, contributing to fundamental advances in subsurface flow processes. Main responsibilities include developing and applying high-resolution time-lapse GPR and EMI imaging methods, designing and implementing novel inversion algorithms, identifying links between hydrogeophysical parameters and subsurface flow, and improving small-scale process understanding to inform larger scale hydrological models. The project connects novel processing and inversion techniques to experimental data from different regions and links findings to critical zone processes. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, geoscience, computational geoscience, or related natural sciences with at least a 'good' grade. Experience in programming (MATLAB, Python, C/C++), advanced numerical methods, and geophysical fieldwork (preferably with GPR and EMI) is required. Strong English writing skills (B2 CEFR or higher), good communication and organizational skills, a driver’s license (or willingness to obtain within 3 months), and physical work capability are essential. The position is funded for 3 years, starting September 2026, at 75% of pay group 13 of the TVöD-Bund, including a special payment (Christmas bonus). PhD students are encouraged to attend international conferences and may undertake a three-month research stay abroad. The working environment is interdisciplinary, diverse, and inclusive, with excellent facilities for hydrogeophysical research and numerical simulation. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, training courses, structured continuing education, networking opportunities via JuDocS, and targeted services for international employees. For further information, visit the IBG-3 website or contact Prof. Dr. Anja Klotzsche. Apply online via the official application portal before the deadline. Diversity and equal opportunities are strongly supported.

PhD opportunity in hydrogeophysics , ground penetrating radar (GPR) , full-waveform inversion , and groundwater remediation at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3) , Forschungszentrum Jülich , Germany. This position is part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network RESCUE , which offers 15 fully funded PhD positions across Europe. The network focuses on tackling soil and groundwater contamination through interdisciplinary research that combines geophysics, environmental engineering, remediation technologies, and broader sustainability assessment. The advertised project, linked to the working group of Anja Klotzsche , is titled “4D GPR full-waveform inversion for monitoring contaminant transport and biostimulation amendments.” The research will develop and test a 4-D GPR FWI workflow for monitoring contaminant flow and transport, establish quantitative petrophysical relationships between GPR-derived parameters and subsurface properties relevant to contamination and remediation, and extend the workflow from crosshole to borehole-to-surface and surface GPR. Eligibility/fit: the post explicitly seeks a highly motivated geophysicist with experience in GPR and inversion methods . The wider network includes projects on contaminant behaviour, geophysical signatures, site characterisation, monitoring of remediation processes, and socio-economic, legal, and sustainability aspects. Funding: fully funded PhD positions under MSCA Doctoral Network RESCUE. Start date: positions start between November 2026 and January 2027 . Application: full details on eligibility and the application procedure are available on the RESCUE website. Applicants should apply only via the online system, not by email. Deadline: 12 July 2026 .