The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.
The Structural Geology Group at the Institute of Geosciences seeks to fill the position of a
Postdoctoral Researcher
in a project on the topic of Constraining exhumation rates in contractional vs. extensional segments of the Dinarides-Hellenides transition using calcite/dolomite thermoluminescence thermochronology for a duration of 24 months and full-time (100% or 40 hours per week), commencing on 01 January 2026, or as early as possible. The position is embedded into a newly launched collaborative Priority Program funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) on the topic of “Plate Deformation and Geohazards: The Eastern Margin of the Adriatic Plate (DEFORM)” (SPP 2497).
Your responsibilities:
1. Geological field work along various orogenic transects across Albania
2. Sample preparation and carbonate thermoluminescence thermochronological dating at our partner institution LIAG Hannover
3. Evaluation and presentation of the results at project-internal meetings and international conferences
4. Publication of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals
Your profile:
5. Completed PhD in geosciences with a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals
6. Solid methodological background and laboratory experience in low-temperature thermochronology – or experiences on luminescence and ESR dating
7. Proven field work experience
8. Collaborative skills to successfully interact in a diverse team of researchers within the frame of the Priority Program
9. Willingness to conduct field work in partly remote mountainous areas
10. Eagerness for travels between Jena and our partner institutions in Hannover
We offer:
11. An exciting field of employment
12. Excellent equipment and infrastructure
13. The chance to help shape pioneering developments at a modern and at the same time traditional university covering all disciplines
14. Flexible working hours
15. A comprehensive further and continuing education programme and individual qualification and development measures
16. A Graduate Academy for doctoral candidates and postdocs;
17. A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder);
18. University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities;
19. Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL)
20. Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications— including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
21. 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31
Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.