3-year PhD position (m/f/d): Sulfur Cycling in Wetlands and its Coupling to Iron and Carbon

Teilzeit

The Applied Geochemistry group at the Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Freiburg (Germany) is offering a 3-year PhD position (m/f/d): Sulfur Cycling in Wetlands and its Coupling to Iron and Carbon

• Bewerbungsfrist: 20. September 2026
• Eintrittstermin: 1. November 2026
• Arbeitsumfang: Part-time position (70 %)
• Kennziffer: 00005154

Beschreibung

Sulfur cycling is a fascinating but still surprisingly understudied part of wetland biogeochemistry. In oxygen-limited environments such as peatlands, the Wadden Sea, and other wetlands, sulfate can be rapidly transformed into sulfide. Sulfide, in turn, reacts strongly with iron minerals and can promote the dissolution of Fe(III) oxides, setting off a cascade of reactions that influence both iron and carbon cycling.

Despite its importance, many aspects of sulfur cycling in terrestrial wetlands remain poorly understood. One reason is that sulfur compounds are unstable, making them difficult to capture with conventional analytical methods.

This PhD project will investigate sulfur redox transformations in wetlands and their links to iron and carbon cycling. The project combines experimental work with analytical method development to characterize different sulfur species using techniques such as HPLC and LC-ICP-MS. The project also offers the opportunity for fieldwork in the Black Forest, where the PhD candidate will investigate sulfur pools and transformations in minerotrophic peatlands.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments
• Apply and develop analytical methods for sulfur speciation
• Acquire and analyze synchrotron-based research data
• Identify suitable field sites in the Black Forest and establish contact with landowners and relevant authorities
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at conferences
• Contribute to teaching and supervise laboratory practical courses

Your profile

• A degree (MSc or equivalent) in environmental science, geoecology, environmental chemistry, geomicrobiology, or a related field
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research
• A collaborative mindset, scientific curiosity, and willingness to travel for field campaigns and networking events
• Strong interest in environmental geochemistry and analytical method development
• Excellent command of written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an advantage
• A driver’s license (B) is beneficial

We offer

• An engaging and supportive working environment that fosters scientific curiosity, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities in our newly equipped laboratory
• Opportunities to attend and present your research at national and international conferences
• Close scientific supervision and comprehensive onboarding into the research group

Applications should be submitted through the University of Freiburg job portal and should include a CV, a motivation letter, copies of relevant degree certificates and contact information for two references.

Applications will be reviewed starting mid October 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. The ideal start date is November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. For informal inquiries about the position or questions related to then project please contact:

Prof. Dr. Kerstin Hockmann
kerstin.hockmann@geochem.uni-freiburg.de
Applied Geochemistry
Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Albertstraße 23b
79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Phone: +49 761 203 6404

Additional information about the University of Freiburg and our research is available at https://uni-freiburg.de/unr-geochem/.

The position is limited to three years. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Bewerbung

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00005154, by 20. September 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Prof. Kerstin Hockmann University of Freiburg Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences Albertstraße 23b 79104 Freiburg i. Br.

For further information, please contact Prof. Kerstin Hockmann on the phone number +49 761 6404 or E-Mail info@geochem.uni-freiburg.de.

General and legal remarks

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – German General Equal Treatment Act).
Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
The department offering the position is liable for the content of this job posting. Textual errors do not constitute a basis for any claims or rights. The relevant human resources department has sole responsibility for all legal transactions made within the context of the selection and hiring process.
Please note that breaches in privacy and unauthorized access by third parties cannot be excluded in communication by unencrypted email.

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