The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 21.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.

In the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Department of Grassland Science and Renewable Resources (Prof. Dr. Michael Wachendorf), the following position is available at the earliest possible date:

Research Associate (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term, part-time (currently 26 hours/week) for doctoral studies or full-time (currently 40 hours/week) with a completed doctorate.

Application deadline:
09.01.2026

Date of hire: as soon as possible

vacancy number: 38982
The position is initially fixed-term until 31 July 2028 within the junior research group "Bio4Act – Biogenic Activated Carbons and Platform Chemicals from Residual Biomass for Implementing a Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy" according to § 2 WissZeitVG. An extension is aimed for, depending on funding. The possibility of doctoral studies or habilitation is given. Places of employment are Witzenhausen and Dresden.

The junior research group, funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), develops and researches sustainable technology and utilization concepts for residual biomass. These are converted into high-value activated carbons (e.g., for wastewater treatment), platform chemicals (e.g., for plastics), and renewable energy carriers – to substitute fossil resources and support ecosystem preservation. The position holder will assess the real sustainability potentials of the processes.

Tasks:

• Independent research on sustainability potentials of conversion processes (activated carbons, platform chemicals, energy carriers) from residual biomass using life cycle assessments (LCA).
• Determination of material and energy flows in relevant process stages.
• Ecological optimization and evaluation of conversion processes, deriving sustainable utilization pathways.
• Documentation, analysis, and scientific interpretation of results.
• Publication in internationally recognized journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Contribution to project reports and, if applicable, acquisition of further third-party funding.

Requirements:

• Completed scientific university degree with at least good grades in environmental engineering, process engineering, agricultural sciences or a related field; the degree must be obtained by the start date
• Proven knowledge and experience in conducting and evaluating life cycle assessments
• Knowledge of material and/or energetic utilization of biomass
• Strong interest in researching and developing innovative technologies for sustainable use of biogenic resources
• Ability to contextualize own research within broader climate and sustainability frameworks
• Very careful, structured, and independent working style
• High organizational and team skills, with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong willingness for interdisciplinary learning and cooperation
• Very good oral and written communication skills in German and English, or willingness to acquire the missing language promptly

Advantageous:

• Advanced experience in material and energetic utilization of residual biomass.
• Knowledge and experience in assessing social risks (e.g., via Social-LCA).
• In-depth expertise in a relevant field for the group (e.g., bioeconomy, waste and resource management, process or environmental assessment).
• Skills in statistical data analysis, ideally with experience in script-based software (e.g., R or Python).
• Class B driver's license.
• Experience in knowledge transfer and inter- or transdisciplinary projects.

For further information, please contact Dr.-Ing. Kaetzl, Tel.: +49 561 804-1241, E-Mail: kaetzl(at)uni-kassel.de, .

In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.

Our Offer:

As an employee of the University of Kassel

• you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
• you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

• an additional company pension (VBL),
• an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
• an annual bonus
• an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
• a promotion of voluntary commitment,
• low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de

Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number in the subject line, via the online form. We have compiled further information for you in our .

In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to , stating the reference number.

In the case of postal applications, please submit only copies of your documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned. All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.

The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.

Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process at the University of Kassel can be found at:

Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:

The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.