Doctoral researcher (m/f/d) position in geodynamic modeling of deep-mantle heterogeneity
Deadline: 25th November 2026
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a foundation under public law jointly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the State of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). It is one of the internationally leading institutions in the field of marine research.
Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we contribute significantly to the preservation of the function and protection of the ocean for future generations.
The Research Unit Magmatic and Hydrothermal Systems (MuHS) of the research division 4 – Dynamics of the Ocean Floor is offering a
Doctoral researcher (m/f/d) position in geodynamic modeling of deep-mantle heterogeneity
preferably starting as soon as possible. The position offers the possibility to attain a doctoral degree in natural sciences.
The position is within the framework of the project “Understanding Core–Mantle Interaction Through Global Mapping of Ultra-Low Velocity Zones in Mantle Convection Models”, which is part of the German Science Foundation's Priority Programm SPP 2404 DeepDyn (https://www.geo.lmu.de/deepdyn/en/) about reconstructing the deep dynamics of planet Earth over geologic time.
Ultra-Low Velocity Zones (ULVZs) are thin patches at the base of Earth’s mantle—only tens of kilometres high yet 100 to 1000 km wide—where seismic shear waves exhibit extreme reductions of 20–30%. They are archives of Earth’s thermochemical evolution, potentially reflecting its early differentiation or interactions with the core, but also more recent mantle flow patterns. Yet these interpretations depend critically on ULVZ composition, which remains poorly constrained.
The doctoral researcher will numerically model ULVZ evolution and properties in plate-guided global mantle convection simulations. They will develop a framework that quantitatively evaluates these simulations by inferring ULVZ properties from mineral physics and comparing them to seismic constraints, including ULVZ geometry, geographic location and distribution. They will synthesize these results to deliver the first global ULVZ map based on dynamic simulations and to discriminate among proposed ULVZ compositions. The work will be performed as part of SPP 2404 DeepDyn with numerous opportunities for collaboration with national and international partners and other doctoral researchers.
Tasks include:
- Development and analysis of numerical geodynamic models that include ULVZs
- Use of mineral physics modeling tools to compute properties of lower mantle materials
- Conducting a parameter study with varying ULVZ and lowermost mantle properties
- Development of a probabilistic framework to assess models using seismic observations
- Analysis of the best-fitting simulations in terms of links between ULVZs and plume formation as well as core-mantle boundary heat flux and topography
- Contribution of relevant software implementations to open-source research software
- Collaboration with international partners who are experts on mineral physics modeling software and seismic observations
- Presentation of relevant results at national and international scientific conferences and publication in scientific journals
Qualification
- Master´s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. geophysics, physics, mathematics, planetary sciences or a related field)
- Fluency written and spoken English language
- Experience with numerical modeling or model analysis
- Programming experience (preferably C++)
- Strong background in the dynamics of Earth’s interior, fluid dynamics, or a closely related area (demonstrated through relevant coursework, research experience, or equivalent training)
The following are also desirable
- Experience in the development, analysis and interpretation of geodynamic models
- Experience with the geodynamic modeling software ASPECT or other geodynamic modeling software, ideally including personal contributions to software development
- Experience with quantitative methods for model assessment, statistical inference, or uncertainty quantification
- Experience with mineral physics computations (e.g., using BurnMan, Perple_X, HeFESTo)
- Knowledge of Linux as an operating system
At a workplace, directly on the Kiel Fjord with many leisure and recreational opportunities, we offer you:
- Good conditions for work-life balance: We offer, among other things, the possibility of mobile working and individual working time arrangements, vacation courses for the children of our employees, and good support in finding a place in a daycare center at the Kiel site
- Support services for professional and personal life situations
- An exciting work environment with the opportunity to provide important impetus for the development of sustainable solutions
- Exciting topics in an international environment
- Work in the field of marine and climate research, a forward-looking area with social significance
- 31 vacation days + additional time off at Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
- Corporate Benefits for employees
- Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits
The position is available for a funding period of three years.
The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class E13 (TVöD-Bund). The regular weekly work schedule corresponds to 75% of a full-time position. Flexible work arrangements are generally possible. The fixed-term contract shall comply with Section 2 Paragraph 1 of The Act of Academic Fixed-Term Contract (German WissZeitVG).
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply. GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply. Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.
Please send your application for this post not later than 25th November 2026 under the following link:
As soon as the selection procedure has finished, all your application data will be removed according to data protection regulations.
For further information regarding the position and research unit please contact Prof. Dr. Juliane Dannberg (jdannberg(at)geomar.de) directly.
We will answer all your questions if you send us an e-mail to bewerbung(at)geomar.de. In doing so, please refer to the keyword “DeepDyn – ULVZ Modeling”.
For further information on GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel or the Helmholtz Association, please visit www.geomar.de or www.helmholtz.de.
GEOMAR is committed to an objective and non-discriminatory personnel selection. Our job advertisements address all people. We expressly renounce the submission of application photos.
