The Institute of Mineralogy in the Faculty of Geosciences at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a
Research Associate in Experimental Mineral Physics (Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in, salary level TV-L E 13)
for the externally funded project “DyNamics and thErmal eVolution of Icy moonS interiors: experimental and numerical approaches (NEVIS)“, commencing on 1 November 2025. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (75%) for 3 years, funded by the DFG.
Your tasks:
- Determine the phase relations and thermodynamic properties of ices in multicomponent systems (H2O-salt-NH3 -CH4) system to unravel the dynamics and internal structure of icy moons in combination with geodynamic modelling and observations from past and current missions (e.g., Cassini, JUICE).
- Perform diamond anvil cell experiments coupled with vibrational spectroscopies(Raman, Brillouin) and X-ray diffraction techniques, and thermodynamic modelling.
- Present research results at scientific meetings and write up publications.
- This interdisciplinary project, ‘NEVIS’, is part of a DFG-NSCT (Taiwan) collaborative project between the University of Münster (Prof. C. Sanchez-Valle) and the Academia Sinica (Dr. F. Dechamps), secondments in Taiwan are planned to integrate the mineral physics data into geodynamic models.
Our expectations:
- Applicants should hold a master’s degree or equivalent in Earth sciences, planetology, physics, chemistry or a related field at the time of the appointment.
- The candidate should have a strong background in mineralogy, planetology and thermodynamics.
- Experience with diamond anvil cell techniques and/or Raman/Brillouin spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction is preferred. - Excellent English skills (written and spoken), computational skills and availability for travel are required. German language skills would be advantageous, but are not a requirement.
- We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a keen interest in experimental work and the ability to work independently.
Advantages for you:
We offer excellent experimental and analytical facilities (https://www.uni-muenster.de/Mineralogie/en/), an international and interdisciplinary working environment and a dynamic research team with excellent opportunities for inter-laboratory collaborations and exchanges.
- Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
- Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
- If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
- As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
- From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance.
- As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from 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, please contact Prof Carmen Sanchez-Valle (sanchezm@uni-muenster.de). General information about the Institute for Mineralogy at the University of Münster is available at:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/Mineralogie/en/
Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2025-08-15.
Please send your application, via email, to Prof Carmen Sanchez-Valle at sanchezm@uni-muenster.de. Candidates should submit, in a single PDF file, a short statement of their research experience and interests, a CV including a list of publications, and the names and contact information of three potential referees.
Please note that we cannot consider other file formats.
Reference number: 2025_07_19
