About the Program
The Institute of Earth Sciences at Heidelberg University, Germany, is offering two fully funded positions for either PhD students or postdoctoral researchers in the fields of Micropaleontology and Paleoclimatology. These positions are part of a DFG-funded project led by Prof. Dr. Oliver Friedrich within the Sedimentology & Marine Paleoenvironmental Dynamics group. The research focuses on reconstructing sea-level and ice-volume changes during the Oligocene and Miocene, periods in Earth’s history warmer than today.
Using benthic foraminifera from ODP/IODP drill cores in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the project combines oxygen-isotope and Mg/Ca temperature analyses to infer past ocean chemistry and global ice volumes. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to high-impact climate science in a supportive, internationally collaborative environment in the heart of Heidelberg, one of Europe’s leading research hubs.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD or Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: Heidelberg University
- Department/Faculty: Institute of Earth Sciences
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Oliver Friedrich
- Location: Heidelberg, Germany
- Start Date (Anticipated): Autumn 2025
- Duration: PhD – up to 3.5 years; Postdoc – up to 2 years
- Funding: Fully funded (E13 TV-L, 65–100% based on experience and role)
- Working Hours: According to German civil service norms
- Required Degree/Diploma:
- PhD: Master’s degree (MSc) in Geosciences or a closely related field
- Postdoc: Completed doctoral degree in a relevant discipline
Research Focus/Area
- Micropaleontology (preferably foraminifera)
- Geochemistry
- Paleoclimatology
- Marine sedimentology
- Oligocene and Miocene climate
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- MSc (for PhD) or PhD (for postdoc) in Geosciences or related discipline
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in micropaleontology, isotope geochemistry, or paleoclimate studies
- Familiarity with foraminiferal analysis and ocean drilling samples
- Strong analytical and laboratory skills
- Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
Key Features of the Program
- Access to advanced geochemical labs and equipment
- Collaboration with international paleoceanographic research programmes
- Interdisciplinary research training and mentoring
- Opportunity to contribute to global climate change understanding
- Funding aligned with German academic pay scales (E13 TV-L)
- Support for conference participation and research dissemination
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF file including:
- CV
- Cover letter with statement of research interests
- Contact details of three referees
Send your application to:
📧 Prof. Dr. Oliver Friedrich
📩 oliver.friedrich@geow.uni-heidelberg.de
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Already open
- Deadline: 10 August 2025, 23:59 CEST
- Interviews: Rolling basis until positions are filled
Where to Apply
- University Website: Heidelberg University – Institute of Earth Sciences
- Official Notification: click here
- Application Email: oliver.friedrich@geow.uni-heidelberg.de
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