Technical Assistant (f/m/x)

Geoverbund ABC/J; Köln; Vor Ort; EUR 42.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Extensive advanced training

Flexible working time models

Occupational health management

Zusammenfassung

The University of Cologne, located in Cologne, Germany, is seeking a lab technician to support the Ecosystem Research Group in its laboratory activities. The role includes sampling, analysis of soil, sediment and water, development of new methods for microplastics, and assisting researchers and students.

The position is full‑time (39.83 hours per week) and permanent, with salary based on TV-L remuneration group 9b. The application deadline is 25 August 2026.

Qualifikationen

• Completed vocational qualification as a chemical, biological or medical technical assistant.
• Ability to work in a team and good communication skills.
• Willingness to learn German and to familiarize with new fields.

Aufgaben

• Sample preparation and analysis of soil, sediment and water samples (TOC, particle size, CEC).
• Development and optimization of analytical methods for microplastics.
• Analysis of microplastics with ATR-FTIR, μFTIR and Raman spectroscopy.
• Maintain, install and supervise major laboratory instruments.
• Support researchers, doctoral candidates and students with laboratory work.
• Order consumables and assist with day-to-day lab operations.

Kenntnisse

Teamwork

Reliability

Independent working

Communication

Ausbildung

VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION: chemical/biological/medical technical assistant

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

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.

The Ecosystem Research Group at the Institute of Geography investigates current environmental topics such as the occurrence and transport of microplastics or land-use change. We are a committed and dynamic team, and we are looking for a new colleague to support our laboratory activities.

YOUR TASKS

• Sample preparation and analysis of soil, sediment and water samples, e.g. TOC determination, particle size analysis, cation exchange capacity, and elemental andmolecular analyses
• Development and optimization of new analytical methods, particularly in the field of microplastics, e.g. the extraction of microplastics from various environmental samples (soil, water, and air samples)
• Analysis of microplastics using ATR-FTIR, μFTIR and, where applicable, Raman spectroscopy
• Supervision, maintenance and installation of major and specialized laboratory instruments
• Supporting researchers, doctoral candidates and students (bachelor and master) with laboratory work
• Ordering consumables and assisting with the organization of day-to-day laboratory operations

YOUR PROFILE

• A successfully completed vocational qualification as a chemical, biological or medical technical assistant
• Ability to work in a team, technical expertise, reliability, an independent working style and good communication skills
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure
• Openness and curiosity towards research, and a willingness to familiarize yourself with new fields
• A good command of written and spoken English and willingness to learn German
• Proficiency in common office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required

WE OFFER

• 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 Rhine-West-phalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available immediately on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week).This is a permanent position.

If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 9b TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

The reference number is TUV2606-16. The application deadline is 25 August 2026.

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