Doctoral researcher "Hydrology" (m/f/d)

Reference number: L 53 32 08 26

Term limitation:

limited to a time period of three years

Beginning:

as soon as possible

Location:

Landau

Scope:

Part time 65% (25,35 hours/week)

Remuneration:

E 13 TV-L

Department:

Natural and Environmental Sciences Natural and environmental sciences: Hydrology

With about 15,000 students, more than 300 professorships and around 160 degree programs, the RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau is the technical university of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. As a place of top international research, it offers excellent working conditions and career opportunities. Those who study, research or work at RPTU experience a cosmopolitan environment and shape the future.

The position will be part of young research group with a focus on hydrologic process analysis and hydrologic extremes. We use large sample datasets, spatially extensive models and comprehensive literature extraction to gain knowledge on hydrologic behaviour across different spatio-temporal scales. The position is part of the Carl-Zeiss project “AI4ChemRisk” (AI for Chemical Risk Prediction in Aquatic Environments) collaborating with leading research groups in AI, Machine-Learning and Environmental Data Science at the RPTU and abroad.

Your area of ​​responsibility:

• extraction of hydrologic process knowledge from the scientific literature using large language models and natural language processing
• work with sample hydrological data to combine hydrologic process knowledge with chemical risk data
• prediction of hydrological risk factors for aquatic chemical risk
• stakeholder engagement, outreach and collaboration

Your requirements profile:

Applicants should hold an excellent bachelor’s and master’s degree (or equivalent) in hydrology, water resources, or any closely‑related environmental science or in computer science, data science, statistics, or applied mathematics provided they have a demonstrated interest in hydrological processes. Candidates from other quantitative or earth‑system disciplines (e.g., geography, atmospheric science, ecology, civil‑environmental engineering, remote sensing, GIS, environmental physics) are also encouraged to apply if they can show relevant coursework or research experience.

We are looking for a motivated and curious researcher who has

• strong programming proficiency (Python, R, MATLAB, or similar). Experiences with NLP, LLM or high‑performance computing is a plus.
• enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and collaboration within an international team
• excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• motivation to publish high-quality scientific research and complete a PhD within three years

We offer:

Health promotion

Family Service Center

Vocational Training

Flexible working hour and home office

Jobticket

Retirement provision

Sport & Fitness programms

Culture & Leisure offers

Local recreation in the Palatinate Forest

• work in a motivated, innovative team focusing on data-driven hydrology
• close supervision and individualized mentoring to support your scientific and professional development
• integration into various hydrological research tasks of national to global scopes
• an inspiring, collaborative, and international research environment with strong interdisciplinary interactions
• integration into established national and international research networks and opportunities to present your work at leading scientific conferences
• flexible work environment

RPTU stands for diversity among all employees. We welcome applications from all interested parties, regardless of their ethnic and social origin, age, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation or identity. Preference will be given to severely disabled persons and persons equivalent to them if they have the appropriate qualifications and suitability.

The RPTU aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented. Applications from researchers from abroad are expressly encouraged. The appointment will be subject to the German law on fixed-term contracts in science (WissZeitVG).

Your application:

We look forward to receiving your detailed application (a single pdf document including a letter of motivation, a reference letter from a mentor or thesis supervisor, degree certificates and a CV) by 18.09.2026 at the latest.

Please submit your application using the "Online Bewerbung" button below or via our application portal ().

For further questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Lina Stein (e-mail: ).