Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)

<1 Woche

Vollzeit

Forschung und Lehre

Postdoctoral position in planetary geodynamics Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)

Bewerbungsfrist: 28. Februar 2026
Veröffentlichungsdatum: 5. Februar 2026
Eintrittstermin: 1. Juli 2026
Arbeitsumfang: Fulltime position
Kennziffer: 00004831

Beschreibung

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the newly established Earth and Planetary Geodynamics (EPG) research group at the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany, led by Tenure-Track Professor Anna Gülcher. The successful candidate will investigate the interior and atmospheric evolution of Venus and Venus-like planets. The project is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation through its “Understanding the Earth as a System” initiative and establishes a new research focus in Earth and planetary geodynamics at the University of Freiburg. The position is offered for an initial two-year period with the possibility of extension and a flexible starting date in early summer 2026. It is fully funded (100% TV-L E13 pay scale) and includes a generous research budget for computational resources, conference travel, and related project expenses.

About the role:

The successful applicant will develop and analyze geodynamic models to investigate the interior evolution of Venus and Venus-like planets and their connections to atmospheric chemistry. A central goal is to establish a catalogue of interior evolution scenarios and to quantify how tectonic and magmatic processes regulate volatile exchange between the mantle and atmosphere. The candidate will further examine how these processes shape planetary environments on regional and global scales, including the conditions under which key planetary transitions or tipping points may emerge.

The project will involve the use of diverse scientific software (e.g., StagYY, Atmodeller, and custom post-processing tools), with model results linked to observations from past and forthcoming Venus missions, including ESA’s EnVision and NASA’s VERITAS and DAVINCI+. Depending on the applicant’s qualifications and interests, the emphasis may lie more strongly on geodynamics, mission data analysis, or atmospheric chemistry. In addition to research activities, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to contribute to teaching, mentoring, and supervision. As the EPG group is actively involved in developing courses and course components within the MSc major Earth and Planetary Sciences, there are opportunities to co-develop lectures and course materials.

About the research environment:

The University of Freiburg offers a vibrant, collaborative, and rapidly evolving research environment. Geosciences are embedded within the interdisciplinary Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, which brings together researchers across Earth, planetary, and environmental sciences, geography, and forest sciences. The Geosciences department is expanding its profile by strengthening planetary science research and launching an Earth and Planetary Sciences major within the redesigned Earth Sciences MSc curriculum.

The Earth and Planetary Geodynamics group will be part of this growing framework and benefit from strong institutional support, close collaboration with neighboring research groups, and an active national and international network. The group offers a collegial atmosphere with frequent interactions, career growth support, and ample teaching and mentoring opportunities.

About you:

Preferred qualifications include a PhD in planetary science, geoscience, geophysics, atmospheric science, or a closely related field. Candidates with experience or a strong interest in planetary geodynamics and atmospheric chemistry modeling are particularly welcome. The position requires quantitative skills and solid programming experience, including high-performance computing and proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Julia, or similar tools. You are further expected to play an active role in the newly established research group, contribute to the broader university community, mentor students, support teaching at the MSc level, and present research at international meetings. Diversity of background and thought is valued, and applicants from underrepresented groups, non-traditional career paths, and a wide range of experiences are encouraged to apply. Further general expectations can be found in the prospective advisor’s expectation document.

Application requirements:

To apply, please email Anna Gülcher (anna.guelcher@geodynamics.uni-freiburg.de) a single PDF containing a cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and career goals (maximum two pages), a CV, a publication list, and the names and contact details of at least two references. Review of applications will begin on February 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. For questions about the position, please contact Anna Gülcher at the same email address.

De job offer is initially for two years, with the possibility of extension The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Bewerbung

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004831, by 28. Februar 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Albertstrasse 23-b Freiburg im Breisgau For further information, please contact Dr. Johanna Pia Gülcher on the phone number +49 761 +49 761 203 or E-Mail anna.guelcher@geodynamics.uni-freiburg.de.

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General and legal remarks

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - German General Equal Treatment Act).

Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.

The department offering the position is liable for the content of this job posting. Textual errors do not constitute a basis for any claims or rights. The relevant human resources department has sole responsibility for all legal transactions made within the context of the selection and hiring process.

Please note that breaches in privacy and unauthorized access by third parties cannot be excluded in communication by unencrypted email.

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