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Faculty of Geosciences :
The Geomorphology and Geohazards group
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (75% = 29,8725 hours/week) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a
PhD researcher (m/f/x) for 3 years with 29.8725 hours/week (75%, TV-L E13)
The 'Geomorphology and Geohazards' working group at the Institute of Geosciences, Ruhr University Bochum, studies the evolution of Earth's surface during the Quaternary. We employ a combination of field, laboratory, and numerical methods to understand the interaction between transport, weathering, and erosion processes, as well as their climatic and tectonic drivers at the Earth's surface, alongside human-landscape interactions. Our group focuses on developing and applying geochronological techniques, particularly electron spin resonance (ESR) dating. ESR's main advantage is its potential to cover the entire Quaternary (i.e., the last 2.6 million years approx.), a period marked by profound climatic oscillations (i.e., glacial–interglacial cycles) and the evolution and progressive global dispersal of the genus Homo. Nevertheless, obtaining accurate depositional ages using ESR in sedimentary environments remains challenging, and the full potential of ESR in Quaternary geochronology has not yet been fully explored. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (m/f/x) to join a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The candidate (m/f/x) will work with us on cutting-edge investigations of ESR dating of quartz grains, with a special emphasis on single-grain analyses to improve the accuracy and reliability of the method. Laboratory work is central to the project, focusing on implementing standardised single-grain ESR measurement protocols for landscape and human evolution research. The ideal candidate (m/f/x) will have a background in Earth Sciences, Physics, or an equivalent field, with some experience in ESR or luminescence dating.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-02-16
Your tasks:
- Laboratory analyses for quartz characterisation
- Testing different ESR spectroscopic techniques at Ruhr University Bochum and in collaboration with the Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH, Spain)
- Optimising single-grain ESR protocols using synthetic and natural quartz samples
- Conducting ESR analyses (e.g., laboratory experiments, dose response, thermal stability)
- Working on statistical models for age estimation
Your profile:
- Required qualifications:
- MSc degree in geosciences, Physics, or equivalent
- Experience in laboratory work (e.g., sample preparation, analytical measurements)
- Desired qualifications:
- Experience in ESR spectroscopy
- Experience in trapped-charge dating techniques
- Knowledge in statistics
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to achieve analytical goals together with colleagues (Teamwork skills)
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken); German is helpful but not required
We offer:
Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Flexible working hours with consideration for study times, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility.
- Opportunity to make an innovative contribution.
- A modern, equipped workplace.
- Structured supervision and extensive training opportunities.
- Flexible and family-friendly working hours.
- A qualified onboarding process.
- An inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking research culture.
- The chance to carry out international joint research
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E 13 TV-L TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
Applications should be written in English, including a cover letter (max. 1 page) stating your motivation for this position, CV, contact information for two professional references, copy of university degree certificates and transcripts of marks awarded. Please submit your application as single pdf file.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Melanie Kranz , Tel.: +49 234 32 12826
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-02-16. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5324.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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