Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in Environmental Geochemistry (75%) Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Become part of the University of Freiburg, one of Germany's most prestigious and research-intensive universities-with a unique diversity and interplay of disciplines and perspectives in one of the most popular cities in the heart of Europe. The University of Freiburg's human resources policy is oriented toward the principles of equal opportunity and diversity. The university is committed to the goal of creating a family-friendly university.

The Applied Geochemistry group at the Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Germany, is seeking a highly motivated

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
in Environmental Geochemistry (75%)

Part-time position (75 %), Start-date: At the earliest possible date

The research group, led by Prof. Kerstin Hockmann, integrates applied and environmental geochemistry to study the geochemical cycling of elements in soils, sediments, and surface waters. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we investigate (bio)geochemical processes involving key elements such as iron, carbon, and sulfur, and their impact on trace element mobility and mineral properties in environments affected by human activity and climate change.

Your role and impact:

• Initiate, conduct, and (co-)supervise innovative research projects, including the acquisition of third-party funding for independent research.
• Apply and develop novel analytical approaches to investigate (bio)geochemical processes in both field and laboratory settings.
• Supervise and mentor students in the laboratory in close collaboration with our lab manager.
• Contribute to teaching in the B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs at the Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, including laboratory courses and field excursions.

The role provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen your independent research profile within a dynamic and growing research team, with the freedom to pursue your own research ideas and the support needed to secure follow-up funding. You will have the opportunity to present your research at international conferences, contribute to the supervision of PhD, M.Sc., and B.Sc. students, and benefit from tailored mentoring to advance your scientific career.

Your profile:
The candidate must hold a qualified PhD in (bio)geochemistry, environmental chemistry, geomicrobiology, organic geochemistry, or a related field, and has an intellectual curiosity about the many interdisciplinary aspects of environmental geochemistry. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation for water and environmental analyses, and we have a strong track record in applying synchrotron-based spectroscopic techniques. A passion in developing new methods and applying analytical approaches in the laboratory, along with the willingness to collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds in a highly interdisciplinary faculty is required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential, with German considered an asset.

Ready to join our team?
Please submit your application as a single PDF file via the University's application portal to Prof. Kerstin Hockmann, including the following documents:

• A cover letter describing your motivation for the position and your earliest possible starting date.
• Your CV and publication list.
• A 1–2 page outline of your research interests, relevant expertise, and potential research projects you would like to pursue within our group, including how they align with the group's research interests.
• Contact information for at least two professional references.

Review of applications will begin in late September 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is autumn 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Additional information about the University of Freiburg and our group is available at https://uni-freiburg.de/enr-geochem/.

The position is initially limited to 1.5 years. This position is a temporary replacement for parental leave. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00005136, by 23. September 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Prof. Kerstin Hockmann

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Institut für Geo- und Umweltnaturwissenschaften
Albertstraße 23b
79104 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Kerstin Hockmann on the phone number +49 761 203 6404 or E-Mail info@geochem.uni-freiburg.de.

Apply now!

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - German General Equal Treatment Act).
Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
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