Research assistant (m/f/d) in the field of geothermal energy

The Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB) 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 RUB's declared aim.

Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Geography and Geosciences, Institute of Geosciences, Department of Sediment and Isotope Geology, Germany

We are seeking a full-time employee (39.83 hours/week = 100%) on a fixed-term basis, starting November 1, 2026.

A research assistant (m/f/d) in the field of geothermal energy

The working group deals with the sedimentology, petrology, diagenesis and geochemistry of carbonates. One focus is on the investigation of carbonates as underground storage rocks for geothermal use.

As a research assistant (m/f/d), you will independently and reliably prepare and carry out petrophysical and geochemical experiments in the department's laboratory, especially in the area of sintering and dissolution ("scaling") of pathways in carbonate rocks in connection with rock-fluid interaction. You will interpret laboratory results and collaborate with our project partners in fieldwork, numerical simulation, and hydrogeology.

Your tasks:

• Carrying out carbonate geochemical and petrographic laboratory experiments
• Examination of experimentally investigated rock samples using imaging techniques
• Analysis of rock samples regarding their petrographic and diagenetic properties
• Analysis of the geochemistry (element concentrations and isotope signatures) of rocks and fluids in the Department's laboratory
• Collaboration with our project partners within the R3-Chain consortium project
• Assistance with analytical tasks in the Department's laboratory
• Contribution to the communication, organisation, and administration of the third-party funded project
• Publication of research results in scientific journals and at conferences
• Fieldwork in rough terrain (sample collection)

Your profile:

• Completed doctoral degree in Geosciences or a comparable field, specializing in low-temperature geochemistry, carbonate petrography, and sedimentology
• Experience in laboratory work for the determination of carbonate geochemical and petrographic parameters
• Basic knowledge of geothermal energy
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
• German proficiency at level C1 or higher for communication with project partners and funding bodies
• Class B driver's license

We offer:

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of personal responsibility.
• Collaboration within a dedicated and supportive team
• Opportunities for further academic qualification through publications and conference contributions
• Participation in an interdisciplinary research project on deep geothermal energy in the Rhine-Ruhr region
• Access to - and guidance on the use of - state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and computing servers

Further information:

Employment is on an employee basis and is governed by the Collective Agreement for the Federal States (TV-L). Upon fulfilment of the requisite personal and collective bargaining conditions, classification will be assigned to Remuneration Group E13 (TV-L).

Further information regarding this can be found at:

The place of work is the Ruhr University Bochum.

If the position is funded exclusively by external third-party sources at the time of hiring, the employee is under no obligation to assume teaching duties.

The Staff Council has the right to attend all selection interviews. At the request of an applicant (m/f/d), the Council guarantees its participation in the entire selection process. Please contact wpr@rub.de .

Your complete application documents should include a cover letter addressing the required profile and the tasks involved, your curriculum vitae, your academic transcripts and certificates (copies of your doctoral degree certificate, M.Sc., and B.Sc. certificates), any other relevant documents, and contact details for at least two references.

Contact persons for further information: Dr. S. Riechelmann (Tel. +49 234 32 25462; Email: Sylvia.Riechelmann@rub.de ) und Prof. A. Immenhauser (Email: Adrian.Immenhauser@rub.de ).

Unfortunately, travel expenses, accommodation costs, loss of earnings, or other application-related costs incurred for job interviews cannot be We look forward to receiving your application-quoting reference number ANR 5788 - via our online application portal by 05.07.2026.

The Ruhr-University 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-University 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.