Faculty of Mathematics and Natural SciencesPostdoc 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

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The ‘CARNIVAL’ research project will recover new sediment cores from the SE Pacific to explore land-ocean coupling as driver of paleoclimatic variability in the Atacama Desert. One of its main research goals is to characterize the spatio-temporal variability of the coastal upwelling system off northern Chile and its potential significance for the landward moisture flux in the Quaternary.

YOUR TASKS» Participation in research cruise SO315 off northern Chile (Oct.-Nov. 2025)» Shipboard work-recovery, documentation, sampling, and archiving of sediment cores» Assistance with cruise report» Establishment of age models for recovered sediment cores» Foraminifera-based proxy calibration for reconstruction of export productivity and dissolved oxygen concentrations at the seafloor» Coordination of paleoceanigraphic post-cruise research with cooperation partners» Publication of results

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

WE OFFER» A stimulating research environment within an international, interdisciplinary team of geoscientists» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities» 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.

The position is to be filled by 1 October 2025. The position is a full-time position (39,83 hours per week) for a fixed term until 30 November 2027. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector. Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (letter of motivation, CV, list of publications, copies of certificates) without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2505-02. The application deadline is 04 June 2025. For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Patrick Grunert (pgrunert@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.

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