Research Assistant

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Position

Research Assistant / PostDoc (f/m/d) in Earth Sciences / Terrestrial Paleoclimate

Employer

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Founded in 1817,
Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN)
is one of the world's leading research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt (Mainhatten) in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Homepage:

Location

Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Sector

Academic

Relevant divisions

Biogeosciences (BG)

Stratigraphy, Sedimentology and Palaeontology (SSP)

Tectonics and Structural Geology (TS)

Type

Full time

Level

Experienced

Salary

€ / Year, Collective agreement of the state Hesse TV-H / E13

Required education

PhD

Application deadline

17 December 2025

Posted

24 November 2025

Job Description
The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position in the Department Paleoclimate and Paleoenvironmental Dynamics of Prof. Dr. Andreas Mulch at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, starting ideally in spring 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter:

Research Assistant / PostDoc (f/m/d) in Earth Sciences / Terrestrial Paleoclimate
(Full-time / part-time options are available)
Location: Frankfurt
Employment scope: Full-time / part-time options are available
Type of contract: The contract should start ideally in spring 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. You will receive a 3-year fixed-term contract.
Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E13
The Paleoclimate and Paleoenvironmental Dynamics working group (Prof. A. Mulch)
seeks a geoscientist with research interests in integrating relevant multi-scale characteristics of geological systems with the aim of investigating terrestrial paleoclimate or tectonics-climate interaction processes through the application of novel data-driven approaches. Candidates should have a career-equivalent, excellent expertise with topics covering either Earth's long-term climate and paleoenvironments, mountain building, sedimentary systems, digital and data-driven analysis methods, isotope geochemistry or similarly related emerging fields.

The successful applicant is expected to be closely involved in collaborative research efforts in the broad field of Earth surface processes and paleoclimate dynamics. The Paleoclimate and Paleoenvironmental Dynamics working group maintains close ties to
Goethe University Frankfurt
, in particular
the Joint Goethe University – Senckenberg BiK-F stable isotope facility
.

Your tasks

• Research on long-term terrestrial paleoclimate and/or tectonics-climate interactions
• Participation in and contribution to an active, high-quality research program, as evidenced by publication in scholarly forums, and promoting collaborative research across and beyond the institute
• We encourage applications from candidates who will strengthen or complement existing expertise in stable isotope or biomarker paleoclimate/paleoaltimetry

reconstructions (including clumped isotope thermometry), climate-tectonics feedbacks in the geologic proxy record, and the establishment of terrestrial records of paleoprecipitation

• Active contribution to the operations of the stable isotope laboratory

Your profile

• Academic qualification (PhD) in Earth Sciences or related field
• Experience and training in sedimentology or tectonics or isotope geochemistry or closely related field
• Interest and experience in geological field work
• Interest and experience in stable isotope geochemistry
• Competence in interaction and communication with other researchers to work effectively in creative and diverse interdisciplinary teams
• Fluency in English

Desirable Skills

• Some experience and general knowledge in terrestrial paleoclimate research and interest in geo-bio interactions
• General knowledge of sedimentological, tectonic and mountain building processes

We Offer

• An interesting and challenging opportunity in a dynamic and stimulating team of researchers with the benefits of an interdisciplinary institutional environment and collaboration with the Geoscience Department at Goethe University Frankfurt
• Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers, and research organizations
• Access to state-of-the-art stable isotope geochemistry infrastructure including clumped isotope and organic biomarker geochemistry
• A dynamic working environment in Frankfurt, a diverse and vibrant city offering a high quality of life
• Flexible working hours – mobile working options – Support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the "audit berufundfamilie") – employee ID card with free admission to municipal museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan (ZVK)

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.

How to apply

Please send your application: (1) A two-page cover letter that addresses your fit to the advertised position as described above; (2) Your CV including names and contact details of up to three professional references; (3) Your academic and /or vocational certificates, list of publications electronically (
as a single PDF
) to

stating the reference # by 17 December 2025
or apply online, using the application form on our website

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