Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Geochemistry

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Position

Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Geochemistry

Employer

University of Freiburg

Homepage: https://uni-freiburg.de/enr-geochem/

Location

Freiburg, Germany

Sector

Academic

Relevant divisions

Biogeosciences (BG)

Hydrological Sciences (HS)

Soil System Sciences (SSS)

Type

Contract

Level

Experienced

Salary

Open

Required education

PhD

Application deadline

Open until the position is filled

Posted

14 August 2026

Job Description

The Applied Geochemistry group at the Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Germany, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral reseacher in environmental geochemistry.

The research group, led by Prof. Kerstin Hockmann, integrates applied and environmental geochemistry to investigate element cycling in soils, sediments, and surface waters. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we study (bio)geochemical processes involving key elements such as iron, carbon, and sulfur, and their impacts on trace element mobility and mineral properties in environments affected by human activities and climate change.

Your Role And Impact

• Initiate and conduct scientific research projects, including acquiring funds.
• Apply and develop novel analytical approaches to investigate (bio)geochemical processes in both field and laboratory settings.
• Supervise and mentor students in the laboratory in close collaboration with our lab manager.
• Teach in the B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs at the Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, including laboratory courses and field excursions.

The role provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen your independent research profile within a dynamic and growing research team, with the freedom to pursue your own research ideas and the support needed to secure follow-up funding. You will have the opportunity to present your research at international conferences, contribute to the supervision of PhD, M.Sc., and B.Sc. students, and benefit from tailored mentoring to advance your scientific career.

Your Profile

The candidate must hold a qualified PhD in (bio)geochemistry, environmental chemistry, geo-microbiology, organic geochemistry, or a related field, and has an intellectual curiosity about the many interdisciplinary aspects of environmental geochemistry. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation for water and environmental analyses, including expertise in synchrotron-based spectroscopy. A strong interest in developing and applying analytical methods, as well as in interdisciplinary collaboration, is required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential, with German considered an asset.

How to apply

Please submit your application as a single PDF file via the University’s application portal at https://uni-freiburg.de/en/job/00005136/ to Prof. Kerstin Hockmann, including the following documents:

• A cover letter describing your motivation for the position and your earliest possible starting date.
• Your CV and publication list.
• A 1–2 page outline of your research interests, relevant expertise, and potential research projects you would like to pursue within our group, including how they align with the group's research interests.
• Contact information for at least two professional references.

Review of applications will begin in late September 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is autumn 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is initially limited to 1.5 years.

For informal inquiries about the position or questions related to our research and lab infrastructure, please contact Prof. Kerstin Hockmann at [email protected]. Additional information about the University of Freiburg and our group is available at https://uni-freiburg.de/enr-geochem/

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