The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) GmbH (www.leibniz-zmt.de) is an independent research and teaching institute that provides scientific knowledge for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems. To this end, we work in an inter- and transdisciplinary manner with our partners in the tropics. The ZMT is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The working group Geoecology and Carbonate Sedimentology explores how environmental change affects carbonate-producing tropical marine ecosystems. The focus is on climate-driven and local stressors that influence carbonate producers, and how these biological responses translate into changes in carbonate production, sediment dynamics, reef development and coastal protection. Combining field studies with controlled laboratory experiments, the group uses carbonate sediments as archives of ecosystem change.

Doctoral candidate (gn)

(Reference: 32-GKS-PhD)

The working group Geoecology and Carbonate Sedimentology is (subject to release of funds) seeking to fill an opening for a doctoral candidate for the study of sediment archives of Pleistocene to Holocene marine sequences reflecting rapid environmental change with respect to, e.g., sea-level, salinity, and nutrients. In particular, marine sediment cores from the Red Sea (M193) and NW Australia (upcoming SO333) are in the centre of the project. For the RV Sonne cruise 333, the successful candidate will be involved in the preparation and follow-up work and potentially will have the opportunity to participate in the offshore expedition.

Your tasks:

• Processing, analysis and interpretation of sediment samples within the scope of the larger project
• Sedimentological and palecological analyses of carbonate sediments
• Support of the PI in the preparation and follow-up work of SO333, and potentially participation in the cruise
• Cooperation with national and international partners within the scope of the overarching projects (mainly M193, SO333)
• Preparation of publications with the larger project team
• Training of students within the context of the projects

Requirements:

• MSc in Geology, preferably with a focus on carbonate sedimentology
• Experience in carbonate sedimentology, including processing of samples and facies and microfacies analysis
• Experience in taxonomy and diagenesis are favorable
• Experience with modern or fossil tropical carbonates is favorable
• Experience in writing of manuscripts or comparable texts is an advantage
• Substantial field or research vessel experience
• Willingness to potentially participate in a 5-week offshore expedition
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, reliability, and excellent communication skills are required
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Further information:

For questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Hildegard Westphal, email: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.

Details of position:

Remuneration is based on Pay Group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L). The gross monthly salary is determined in accordance with the provisions of the TV-L and currently ranges from 4759.37 EUR to 6764.69 EUR employees gross salary per month, depending on the candidate’s recognized relevant professional experience. The gross salary listed here applies to a full-time position. For part-time employment, this amount should be adjusted proportionally. Further details regarding remuneration are governed by the TV-L and the TV-L Pay Scale Regulations (Entgeltordnung zum TV-L).

The position is available for part-time (2/3 of a full-time position) employment starting May 15^th, 2027 for 36 months. The fixed term is for academic qualification according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz). Accordingly, only applicants who still have the relevant qualification periods according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG can be considered. The position is intended to provide further academic qualification with the aim of obtaining a doctorate.

ZMT is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with a migration background are welcome. Persons with severe disabilities are given special consideration if they have the same professional and personal qualifications. The ZMT values its diverse workforce and pursues the goal of providing equal opportunity, which incorporates gender neutrality (gn). We will be happy to accept your documents without a photo.

For university degrees obtained outside the EU, please submit a German or English translation along with an evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (in German: Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen) (ZAB). Alternatively, please send us an extract from the database for the recognition and evaluation of foreign educational credentials (anabin).

We offer:

• A varied job in an international, dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment
• A motivated and committed team from different countries and cultures
• An open and cooperative working atmosphere
• Opportunities for personal and professional development
• Interesting, varied and challenging tasks and family-friendly working conditions
• Company pension plan (VBL)
• Company health promotion and the opportunity to participate in company fitness with EGYM Wellpass

Submission of application:

Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, resume, references, certificates and attestations), a reference letter, a letter of motivation, a list of publications and list of active conference participation and presentations, if available by 30.11.2026 as a single pdf file with the reference number “32-GKS-PhD” to Ms. Wiebke Harms-Krusemeyer, email: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein..

Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheitstraße 6, D-28359 Bremen.