Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) for 2 years with 39,83 hours/week (100%, TV-L E13)

Faculty of Geography and Geosciences: Institute of Geosciences, Group for Geomorphology and Geohazards

Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) for 2 years with 39,83 hours/week (100%, 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 postdoctoral researcher (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 demonstrated experience in trapped‑charge dating.

Your tasks:

• Laboratory analyses for quartz characterisation
• Testing different ESR spectroscopic techniques and procedures at Ruhr University Bochum and other partner institutions like 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:

• PhD degree in geosciences, physics, or equivalent
• Experience in geochronological techniques (Ideally, the candidate (m/f/x) should be familiar with ESR dating/dosimetry method; however, additional skills in other dating methods such as luminescence, U‑series, or various Quaternary dating techniques will also be positively evaluated)
• Experience in laboratory work and analytical techniques (e.g., sample preparation, data acquisition and reduction)

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
• 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 E13 TV‑L. The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. If the position is funded by third‑party funds the employee has no teaching obligation. Further information can be found at (in German).

Contact persons for further information:

Melanie Kranz Tel.:

Sandra Wagner Tel.:

Equal Opportunity Statement:

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.