Postdoctoral Researcher in Paleomagnetism and Tectonics (f/m/d)

Postdoctoral Researcher in Paleomagnetism and Tectonics (f/m/d)

Heidelberg University is a comprehensive university with a strong focus on research and international standards. With around 32,200 students and 9,540 employees, including numerous top researchers, it is a globally respected institution that also has outstanding economic significance for the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.

The Institute of Earth Sciences is seeking, at the earliest possible date or by agreement, a scientific employee at postdoctoral level (TV-L E13, 100%, opportunities for part-time employment are available) for the Geodynamics Group. The position is initially limited to three years. It offers substantial freedom to establish an independent research program while contributing to the group′s collaborative research, teaching and laboratory activities.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Paleomagnetism and Tectonics (f/m/d))

Geodynamics Group, Institute of Earth Sciences

The Geodynamics Group investigates the processes that shape Earth′s lithosphere across spatial and temporal scales. We integrate paleomagnetism and rock magnetism with field geology, structural geology, tectonics, geophysics and geodynamic modelling to address plate-boundary evolution, lithospheric deformation, paleogeography, natural hazards and long-term Earth evolution.

The successful candidate will have access to the new heiMAG Laboratory for Earth Magnetism, a state-of-the-art facility for paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic research on unconsolidated sediments and hard rocks. Its capabilities include sample preparation, remanence measurements, alternating-field and thermal demagnetisation, magnetic susceptibility measurements and rock-magnetic characterisation.

Your tasks:

• Supervising and advancing the heiMAG Laboratory for Earth Magnetism
• Develop and conduct an independent, internationally visible research program in paleomagnetism, rock magnetism with application to tectonics
• Connect high-quality magnetic measurements with significant questions in tectonics, geodynamics, paleogeography, geomagnetic-field evolution or Earth history
• Publish research results in international peer-reviewed journals and participate in the acquisition of third-party funding
• Contribute to collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects within the group and with national and international partners
• Contribute to the scientific development and coordination of research activities and workflows in the heiMAG Laboratory
• Develop, validate and document reproducible analytical methods, data-processing workflows, and quality-assurance and quality-control procedures
• Support and train students, early-career researchers and visiting scientists in paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic methods
• Participate in teaching (up to 4 SWS per semester at 100% employment, adjusted proportionally for a part-time appointment) and supervise B.Sc., M.Sc. and PhD researchers

Your profile:

• A completed PhD in geosciences, geophysics or a closely related field
• A strong scientific publication record in paleomagnetism, rock magnetism, tectonics or a closely related area, appropriate to career stage
• Demonstrated ability to relate magnetic observations to substantial geological or geophysical questions
• Hands-on experience with modern paleomagnetic or rock-magnetic instrumentation and experimental workflows
• A sound understanding of demagnetisation procedures, magnetic-property measurements, data processing, uncertainty, quality assessment and interpretation
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and relevant scientific software or programming languages
• Experience in diagnosing methodological, instrumental problems and developing robust solutions
• Scientific independence, creativity, organisational ability, reliability, and excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an advantage but is not a prerequisite

Experience with superconducting rock magnetometers, automated sample handlers, thermal or alternating-field demagnetisation, magnetic-susceptibility systems, instrument commissioning, shared research facilities and an interest in tectonics and field-based research is advantageous. Experience in teaching, student supervision and research-proposal development is also welcome.

We offer:

• An exciting position in a dynamic, international research environment with state-of-the-art paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic infrastructure
• Considerable freedom to develop an independent research profile and pursue further professional and academic qualification
• Integration into interdisciplinary collaborations across tectonics, geodynamics, geophysics and Earth magnetism
• A collegial, supportive and inclusive working environment
• Remuneration according to TV-L E13. The position is available at 100% of full-time employment, opportunities for part-time employment are available.

Further information about the Geodynamics Group: www.geow.uni-heidelberg.de/en/research-groups/guerer.

Further information about the heiMAG Laboratory for Earth Magnetism: www.geow.uni-heidelberg.de/en/facilities/heimag-laboratory-for-earth-magnetism.

We look forward to receiving your application by 30 October 2026 as a single PDF containing a motivation letter of no more than one page, a curriculum vitae including publication list and teaching portfolio, a research statement of no more than two pages, and relevant certificates. Please send your application to Prof. Dr. Derya Gürer at [email protected].

Application deadline: 30 October 2026

For informal scientific enquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Derya Gürer at [email protected].

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.