Research Assistant (f/m/x) - on Modelling Earth Surface Processes

Universität zu Köln; Köln; Vor Ort; EUR 52.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Flexible working time models

Advanced training opportunities

Occupational health management

Support in balancing work and family

Zusammenfassung

The University of Cologne invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Chair Group of Geomorphology and Geochronology in Cologne. You will develop numerical models of Earth surface processes and lead our Geomorphic Software Laboratory, working with field, lab, and geochronology datasets.

The position offers collaboration across the Department of Geosciences and the Institute of Geography, with access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and training opportunities; and a pathway to habilitation

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Geosciences or geomorphology required.
• Experience with numerical modeling of Earth surface processes.
• Strong programming skills (R preferred; Python/MATLAB acceptable).
• Proven research record with peer‑reviewed publications.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Willingness to achieve German language proficiency within 2 years.
• Commitment to teaching diverse, international student populations.

Aufgaben

• Develop numerical models and lead the Geomorphic Software Laboratory.
• Collaborate across the Department of Geosciences and the Institute of Geography.
• Utilize field, laboratory, and geochronological datasets to advance modeling tools.

Kenntnisse

Numerical modeling

Scientific programming

English communication

Teaching diversity

Peer-reviewed publications

German language learning willingness

Ausbildung

PhD in Geosciences or Geomorphology

Tools

R

Python

MATLAB

Jobbeschreibung

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

Research Assistant (f/m/x) - on

The Chair Group of Geomorphology & Geochronology invites applications for an exceptional research position focusing on understanding how physical, biological, and anthropogenic processes shape Earth‘s surface, with particular expertise in luminescence-based dating and rating methods.

YOUR TASKS

We are seeking a talented scientist with deep expertise in landscape evolution and/or soil-landscape evolution modeling across multiple spatial and temporal scales. This unique position offers the opportunity to leverage extensive field, laboratory, and geochronological datasets to develop cutting-edge numerical modeling tools while leading our Geomorphic Software Laboratory.

Based in the Chair Group for Geomorphology & Geochronology, this position offers strong collaborative opportunities across the Department of Geosciences (including the Cosmogenic Nuclides Group) and the Institute of Geography (GIS and Remote Sensing Group), with access to state-of-the‑art analytical facilities and field equipment.

YOUR PROFILE

• PhD in Geosciences, Geomorphology, or closely related
• Demonstrated experience with numerical modeling of Earth surface processes and interactions
• Strong programming skills (preferably R, but experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar languages valued)
• Proven research record with peer-reviewed publications
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
• Commitment to teaching diverse, international student populations
• Willingness to achieve German language proficiency within 2 years

WE OFFER

• The opportunity to obtain the habilitation degree in an exciting research environment
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North RhineWestphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitablecandidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 October 2026 on a fulltime basis (39,83 hours per week). It is limited for three years. After successful evaluation and in conjunction with the successful development of a geomorphological software laboratory, the position can be transferred into a permanent position. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salaryis based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Tony Reimann ([e-mail]) and take a look at our FAQs.

Chair Group of Geomorphology and Geochronology | Institute of Geography

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences