Research Assistant (postdoc) in Foraminiferal Micropalaeontology (f/m/x)

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 inscience, technology, and administration.

Foraminifera and their record throughout Earth’s history are at the centre of the research agenda of the Working Group on Micropalaeontology and Palaeoecology (MicPal) at theUniversity of Cologne. Current research foci include palaeoceanography, palaeoclimate and palaeocology as well as integrated stratigraphy of the Cenozoic. MicPal is looking fora new team member to expand its research and teaching portfolio.

YOUR TASKS

• to be a member of the MicPal team with responsibilities in research and teaching (lectures, field courses)
• to develop your own research programme in the field of micropalaeontology, dedicated to innovative ways to advance foraminiferal research and its application to thefossil record
• to participate in field work related to the working group’s research
• to provide your expertise to other members of the working group and to help with the supervision of Bachelor-, Master- and doctoral students

YOUR PROFILE

• highly motivated, team-oriented person with an extensive background in foraminiferal research
• Ph.D. in Micropalaeontology with basic training in Geosciences
• relevant record of peer-reviewed publications
• skills in foraminiferal taxonomy, foraminiferal palaeobiology and statistical analyses
• expertise in one or several of the following fields of research is advantageous: evolution, phylogeny, (palaeo-) biodiversity of foraminifera; biomineralization & geochemistry; palaeoenvironmental, palaeoclimatic and/or palaeoceanographic reconstruction; integrated stratigraphy
• prior knowledge of (at least basic) German is advantageous

WE OFFER

• a fully equipped working space and access to the MicPal lab infrastructure
• 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 andsocial origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 September 2025 on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 31 August 2028. Depending on performance an extension (fixed-term) may be considered. 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 without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2505-14. Please send your application (letter of motivation concept for your own research programme, CV, list of publications, copies of certificates). Deadline is 15 June 2025.

For further inquiries, please contact Patrick Grunert (pgrunert@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.

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