The Institute of Mineralogy in Department 14 at the University of Münster is seeking to fill the position of a
Doctoral Research Associate (salary level E 13 TV-L, 75%)
in the externally funded project “Measurements of the thermal conductivity of solid and liquid iron alloys to constrain heat flux at the core-mantle boundary.” This project is part of the DFG-funded Priority Program 2404 “Reconstruction of the Dynamics of the Deep Earth over Geological Time Scales” ( www.geo.lmu.de/deepdyn ). We are offering a fixed-term part-time position for 36 months (75%). The start date is 1 April 2027.
Your tasks:
- This position is tied to working towards a doctorate
- Investigating heat flow at Earth’s core-mantle boundary through mineral physics experiments and in collaboration with geodynamicists as part of the DFG Priority Program 2404 DeepDyn
- Conducting laser-flash experiments on solid and liquid Fe alloys in the diamond-anvil cell (DAC)
- Conducting finite element simulations to determine thermal conductivity
- Presenting research results at a scientific conference and drafting publications
- Participation in collaborative research projects, including the use of synchrotron beamtimes
Our expectations:
- A master’s degree or equivalent in Earth Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline
- Strong analytical skills and a keen interest in interdisciplinary experimental research
- Experience with experimental techniques such as diamond-anvil cells, laser heating, and X-ray diffraction is desirable
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Advantages for you:
- State-of-the-art experimental and analytical equipment (www.uni-muenster.de/Mineralogie/ )
- An international and interdisciplinary work environment
- Work in a dynamic team with excellent opportunities for exchange and scientific collaboration
- Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
- With a wide variety of work-schedule options, we enable you to work flexibly
- Whether it’s caregiving or childcare—our Family Services Office offers concrete support options to help you balance your personal and professional life.
- As an educational institution, your individual, tailored continuing education and professional development are not only important to us—they’re a matter close to our hearts.
- From Aikido to Zumba—our sports and wellness programs from A to Z help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- You’ll benefit from numerous public-sector perks, such as an attractive employer-sponsored retirement plan (VBL), an annual bonus, and a job that’s largely unaffected by economic fluctuations.
The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.
We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
If you have any questions about the project or the job posting, please contact Dr. G. Spiekermann (gspieker@uni-muenster.de) or Prof. C. Sanchez-Valle (sanchezm@uni-muenster.de).
Are you interested? If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 2026-12-15 addressed to the
University of Münster
Institute of Mineralogy
Dr. Georg Spiekermann
Prof. Dr. Carmen Sanchez-Valle
Reference Number: 2026_10_43
Please send your application as a single PDF file to gspieker@uni-muenster.de. Please note that we cannot accept other file formats.
Reference number: 2026_10_43
