The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 22.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.
At the University of Kassel, Faculty Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institute for Water, Waste, Environment, Department Hydrology and Substance Balance (Prof. Dr. Matthias Gassmann), the following position is to be filled by 1 October 2025:
Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed term, part time 65% (currently 26 hours per week)
Application deadline:
05.08.2025
Date of hire:
01.10.2025
vacancy number: 38562
Part-time position with 65 % of the working hours of a full-time employee. The position is limited for four years as part of the project “FOR5903-Sustainable rurbanity”, sub-project „Effects of rurbanity on soil quality and pollution“ corresponding to §2 Abs. 2 WissZeitVG. The opportunity to do a PhD is given.
FOR5903 is a DFG Research Unit with a wide interdisciplinary and international scope, covering diverse dimensions of global urbanisation processes under the novel framework of “Sustainable _Rurbanity_”. In the context of this project, a doctoral position is available addressing “Effects of rurbanity on soil quality and pollution”. The position cannot be shared. The main place of service is Kassel, but extended fieldwork in India and Ghana for several months per year will be required. Fitness for service in the tropics is, therefore, mandatory.
Tasks:
1. Field work for the determination of PFAS fluxes by wastewater at the study sites in Accra, Ghana and Bengaluru, India
2. Sampling of soils at the study sites in Ghana and India and statistical analysis of PFAS concentrations
3. Planning and execution of field and lab experiments for PFAS fate in soil
4. Simulation of past and future PFAS leaching at the study sites
5. Close collaboration with other PhD students of the FOR5903 project during field work, but especially with the PhD student from University of Hannover, who is investigating microplastics in the same soils.
6. Work in partnership with project partners to develop collaborative research outputs
7. Participation in project-related seminars and workshops and in international conferences by presenting own results
Requirements:
Obligatory:
8. Completed course of academic study (Master degree) in environmental engineering, hydrology, soil sciences, environmental sciences or related fields. The required degree must be available by the recruitment date at the latest.
9. Proven fluency in English language (proven by internet-based TOEFL of at least 80 points, IELTS, or equivalent language certificate).
10. Ability and willingness to work in a dedicated team with an international and intercultural background in India, Ghana and Germany
11. Interest in doing a PhD
Desirable:
12. Knowledge of contaminant fate in the environment
13. Experience in field surveys, experimental design and data evaluation
14. Skills in environmental modelling
15. Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, scientifically rigorous results.
16. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate effective collaboration with international partners.
For further information refer to the project website or contact Prof. Dr. Matthias Gassmann, Universität Kassel, Tel: +49 561 804 3462, Email: gassmann(at)
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
17. you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
18. you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
19. you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
20. 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:
21. an additional company pension (VBL),
22. an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
23. an annual bonus
24. an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
25. a promotion of voluntary commitment,
26. low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management
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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
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.