PhD Position in Environmental Engineering Role of Contaminants in Urban Infiltration Processes

The Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS) is an institution of the University of Stuttgart. We conduct innovative research related to the fate and transport of contaminants in the subsurface and develop remediation technologies. Our research is experiment-based in the areas of groundwater flow transport- and reaction- processes in porous media on various scales from small-scale lab experiments over large scale experiments to pilot sites.

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a multidisciplinary research project investigating the role of (emerging) contaminants during infiltration processes in innovative sponge city concepts.

About the Project

Urban infiltration of water plays a key role in adapting cities to extreme rainfall and drought events. While infiltration supports water management and climate resilience it also links to water quality as infiltrating water interacts with existing subsurface contamination and may itself introduce new contaminants.

This project aims to assess the impacts of infiltration on soil and groundwater quality. The research combines controlled laboratory experiments with mathematical modeling to improve the understanding of contaminant behavior and to support the design of sustainable infiltration strategies in urban environments.

Your Responsibilities

• Conduct large-scale laboratory experiments on contaminant migration in unsaturated soils.
• Analyze contaminant transport processes (sorption) using experiments and mathematical models.
• Transfer experimental findings to a contaminated pilot site.
• Collaborate with national and international project partners.
• Present results at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

• . degree in environmental engineering geohydrology environmental science/ chemistry or a related field.
• Strong interest in contaminants of emerging concern and transport processes in the subsurface.
• Enthusiasm for experimental work; experience with laboratory or field methods is an advantage.
• Knowledge of numerical modelling and/or aqueous geochemistry is a plus.
• Experience with data-analysis (e.g. python).
• Proficient English (written and spoken).
• Team-oriented independent and motivated.
• Very good German language skills are advantageous

• 75 % - position
• A 3-year funded PhD position (employment conditions of the state of Baden-Württemberg (Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst der Länder; details can be found at the following link: supportive interdisciplinary research team
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and experimental infrastructure
• Opportunity to join a structured doctoral program

Application procedure

Please apply until December 16th 2025 via the career portal of the University of Stuttgart and submit your complete application including

• Motivation letter (max 1 page).
• A brief description of your potential PhD thesis related to the project (1 page).
• CV with two references with their contact information listed.
• Certificates / transcripts.
• An electronic version of a research output (MSc diploma thesis research report proceedings paper or other scientific publication
  
  If you have any questions regarding this application please contact us via @.