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The Institute of Geophysics (FB11) at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, salary level E 13 TV-L)

commencing on 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. We are offering a fixed-term, part time (65%) position for three years with the goal of obtaining a doctoral degree in Theoretical Geophysics, focusing on Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

• The position includes the completion of a doctoral project. The successful candidate is expected to carry out numerical and theoretical work on rapidly rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection. Possible focal areas include applications to the Earth’s outer core and the core–mantle boundary, or the influence of phase transitions, for example in planetary atmospheres.
• Participation in research within the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics and Geodynamics group. This includes performing systematic numerical simulations using existing solvers, as well as programming in Python, C++, Fortran, or a similar language for the analysis of large data sets.
• Publication of original research results in leading scientific journals and presentation of these results in seminar talks and at international scientific conferences.
• Participation in teaching at the Institute for Geophysics.

Our expectations:

• A graduate degree (i.e., German Diplom and / or master’s degree) in Physics, Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field is required.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is strongly desired.
• Solid knowledge in fluid dynamics, good skills in numerical modeling, and a clear interest in geophysical problems are desirable.
• Teamwork skills, communication skills, organizational ability, and an independent working style are desired.

Advantages for you:

• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (), an and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Adrian van Kan (E-Mail: )

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2026-07-31 at:

Universität Münster
Prof. Dr. Adrian van Kan
c/o Lia Heinhold
Institut für Geophysik
Corrensstr. 24
48149 Münster

You may also send us your application electronically in PDF format to . Please note that we cannot consider other file formats. Please include a short statement (no more than 3 pages) of the candidate’s research experience and interests, a CV including a list of publications, relevant academic transcripts and the names and contact information of two potential referees.

Reference number: 2026_06_14