Share page
Faculty of Geography and Geosciences :
Institut für Geowissenschaften
In order to fill a permanent position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for 1
Research Associate (m/f/x)
The Institute of Geosciences is notable within Germany for offering a wide range of geoscience disciplines in one institute, enabling specialization across multiple Earth-science fields. The Rock and Mineral Collection at the Institute currently comprises about ~35,000 samples, making it one of the largest in Germany. Sub-collections include 1) a collection of minerals, 2) a collection rocks used for teaching, 3) a small set of meteorites, 4) igneous rocks, 5) metamorphic rocks, 6) fossils and sedimentary rocks, and 7) a collection of ore samples. The Rock and Mineral Collection is only partly digitalized and presently not accessible online.
Scope: full-time
Duration: permanent,
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-05-05
Your tasks:
- Scientific curation, maintenance, and further development of the Rock and Mineral
- Collection as a research infrastructure, including the strategic development of the
- collection and the scientific documentation, digitalization of samples for
- implementation into our database, and cataloguing of the collection
- Development and implementation of independent research projects based on collection
- materials
- Publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals
- Active preparation of third-party funded research proposals
- Involvement in teaching activities (e.g. laboratory classes, seminars, collection-based
- courses, field trips) in accordance with university regulations.
- Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students (Bachelor’s and Master’s theses)
- Coordination with our outreach officer to expand the visibility of the collection and
- the geosciences in Bochum
Your profile:
- University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in geosciences, mineralogy, geology, or a related discipline
- Completed PhD in a relevant geoscientific field
- Proven research experience and an international publication record
- Strong expertise in at least one collection-related research area (i.e., mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, ore deposits, geochemistry, crystallography)
- Experience in working with scientific or natural history collections is an asset
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
- Excellent command of English; good German skills or willingness to acquire them
We offer:
- A challenging research-oriented position with a high degree of academic independence
- Access to a comprehensive and scientifically valuable geological and mineralogical collection
- Access to state-of-the art laboratory facilities, including: Microanalytical instruments such as EPMA, SEM and FIB-SEM, a range of instruments for geochemical and mineralogical sample characterization (XRF, XRD, NMR) A brand-new triple quadrupole LA-ICP-MS facility for in-situ trace element and isotope analyses, a range of mass spectrometers (GC-MS, TIMS, MC-ICPMS) used for stable a isotope analyses, and more!
- An internationally connected academic research environment
- Support for third-party funding applications and career development
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).
Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, list of publications, research and teaching statements, degree certificates) as a single pdf-file by 01.05.2026 in electronic form via our online application portal. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5637.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Raúl Fonseca , Tel.: +49 234 32 23299
Prof. Annika Dziggel , Tel.: +49 234 32 27254
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-05-05. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5637.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA