Doctoral Researcher in Hydrogeology

At the University of Kassel, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institute for Water, Waste, Environment (IWAU) - Hydrogeology Research Group, the following position is available as soon as possible:
Research Assistant / Doctoral Researcher in Hydrogeology - Reactive Transport (M/F/d), EG 13 TV-H, part-time (currently 30 hours per week)
**Application deadline**:
14.10.2025
**Date of hire**: as soon as possible
**vacancy number**: 38745
Subsurface microbial communities catalyze biogeochemical reactions that turnover nutrients and contaminants of concern. In the soil-groundwater-infiltration-continuum these reactions contribute to improve the quality of recharging water and ultimately the health of groundwater used for drinking water production. Extended periods of drought in summer months drive water table drawdown and place microbial communities in shallow groundwater under stress. Using treated wastewater for irrigation during drought is an attractive alternative to counteract the water deficit. However, trace levels of micropollutants in wastewater may further stress the already drought stressed microbial community.
We invite applicants for a PhD position in the Hydrogeology Research Group at the University of Kassel (Germany) to investigate the resilience of natural groundwater microbial communities to compounded drought and micropollutant stress during irrigation with treated wastewater. The goal is to quantify potential reaction inhibiting effects that may affect natural attenuation reactions via both experiments and reactive transport modelling. Specifically, the project seeks to delineate a safe way to use treated wastewater as a resource for irrigating agricultural surfaces. The expected project start is in February 2026.
**Tasks**:
**Requirements**:
Applicants must hold a completed course of academic study (master’s degree or equivalent) in a geoscience, environmental engineering, or an equivalent discipline. The required degree must be available by the recruitment date at the latest. Very good knowledge of English is required.
**Advantageous qualifications**:
Applicants are requested to submit a single PDF file containing:
Curriculum vitae (written in English)
Copy of transcript(s)
References are desirable
For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Adrian Mellage, adrian.mellage(at)uni-kassel.de.
**Our Offer**:
As an employee of the University of Kassel
- you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
- you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
- you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
- is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

- an additional company pension (VBL),
- an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
- an annual bonus
- an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
- a promotion of voluntary commitment,
- low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de
FAQ
bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel.de
The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.