🌍 Universität zu Köln: Postdoc Position (f/m/x) in Micropalaeontology and Palaeoecology

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Postdoc position (f/m/x) ‘Spatio-temporal variability of coastal upwelling off northern Chile in the Quaternary’
Institute of Geology and Mineralogy / Working Group on Micropalaeontology and Palaeoecology

Join one of Europe's oldest and largest universities, a leading employer in the region. Benefit from our diverse subjects, dynamic research, and central location in Cologne, attracting students and researchers worldwide. Explore career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The ‘CARNIVAL’ research project seeks a motivated Postdoc to analyze sediment cores from the SE Pacific, examining land-ocean coupling as a driver of paleoclimatic changes in the Atacama Desert. The project focuses on characterizing the spatio-temporal variability of the coastal upwelling system off northern Chile and its impact on moisture flux during the Quaternary.

YOUR TASKS
» Participate in research cruise SO315 off northern Chile (Oct.-Nov. 2025)
» Conduct shipboard work: recover, document, sample, and archive sediment cores
» Assist with cruise report preparation
» Develop age models for recovered sediment cores
» Calibrate foraminifera-based proxies to reconstruct export productivity and dissolved oxygen concentrations at the seafloor
» Coordinate paleoceanographic post-cruise research with cooperation partners
» Publish research findings

YOUR PROFILE
» Highly motivated and team-oriented individual
» Doctoral degree in paleoceanography, micropaleontology, marine geology, or a related field
» Expertise in Quaternary age models (knowledge of Bacon software advantageous)
» Expertise in foraminifera-based proxy methods (e.g., geochemistry, morphology)
» Strong peer-reviewed publication record
» Seagoing experience is advantageous

WE OFFER
» A stimulating research environment within an international, interdisciplinary team of geoscientists
» A diverse and equal opportunities working environment
» Support in balancing work and family life
» Flexible working time models
» Extensive advanced training opportunities
» Occupational health management offers

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

This full-time position (39.83 hours per week) is available from 1 October 2025, with a fixed term until 30 November 2027. Salary will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector, contingent on meeting wage requirements and personal qualifications.
Apply online with proof of qualifications (motivation letter, CV, list of publications, certificates) without a photo at:
https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2505-02. The application deadline is 11 June 2025.
For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Patrick Grunert (pgrunert@uni-koeln.de) and see our FAQs.