Job Description

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Postdoc “Spatio-temporal variability of coastal upwelling off northern Chile“ (f/m/x)

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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 in science, technology, and administration.


The “CARNIVAL“ research project will recover new sediment cores from the SE Pacific to explore land-ocean coupling as driver of paleoclimatic variability in the Atacama Desert. The characterization of the spatio-temporal variability of the coastal upwelling system off northern Chile and its potential significance for landward moisture flux in the late Quaternary represents one of its main research goals.

YOUR TASKS

Establishment of age models for selected sediment cores from the R/V Sonne Expedition SO315 Foraminifera-based proxy calibration for reconstruction of export productivity and dissolved oxygen concentrations at the seafloor Coordination of paleoceanographic post-cruise research with cooperation partners Publication of results

YOUR PROFILE

Highly motivated, team-oriented person A doctorate or Ph.D. in paleoceanography, marine geology or related field Expertise in late Quaternary age models (knowledge of Bacon software advantageous) Expertise in foraminifera-based proxy methods (e.g., geochemistry, morphology) Relevant peer-reviewed publication record

WE OFFER

A stimulating research environment within an international, interdisciplinary team of geoscientists A diverse working environment with equal opportunities Support in balancing work and family life Extensive advanced training opportunities Occupational health management offers Flexible working time models
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 and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.


The position is available from 1 April 2026 on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). It is limited for a fixed term until 30 November 2027. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is 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 (letter of motivation, CV, list of publications, copies of certificates) without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2601-05. The application deadline is 15 February 2026.


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