The Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main is one of the largest universities in Germany with around 41,000 students and with about 5,800 employees. Founded in 1914 by Frankfurt citizens and since 2008 once again proud of its foundation status Goethe University possesses a high degree of autonomy, modernity and professional diversity. As a comprehensive university, the Goethe University offers a total of 16 departments on five campuses and 155 degree programs along with an outstanding research reputation. Furthermore, the Goethe University is part of the Group of Rhine-Main-Universities (RMU).
Research Assistant (m/f/d)
Postdoctoral Researcher in Palaeobiology and Ecogeochemistry
(E13 TV-G-U)
available for two years starting 01.05.2026 or as soon as possible. The salary grade is based on the job characteristics of the collective agreement applicable to Goethe University (TV-G-U).
The position is part of the European Research Council funded project SHARKS, which aims to reconstruct shark ecology through time and across extinction events using novel isotope proxies. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to perform multi-proxy geochemical analyses (enamel(oid) zinc, calcium, carbon, oxygen, strontium isotopes and trace element ratios; dentine collagen carbon and nitrogen isotopes) on modern and fossil teeth of marine vertebrates (mostly sharks). The successful candidate will be supported by the PI of the project, international collaborators and the FIERCE team (Frankfurt Isotope and Element Research Center at Goethe Universität Frankfurt).
Candidates should have a completed academic university degree and a PhD degree or equivalent in geosciences or another relevant field (e.g. marine biology, ecology, analytical chemistry). Geochemistry experience in a (palaeo)biological, (palaeo)ecological, or palaeoclimate context is highly appreciated. Experience with non-traditional isotope proxies is beneficial but not required. We seek a researcher with a strong motivation and excellent English communication skills. The ideal candidate should be equally motivated to work in the laboratory, perform mass spectrometry analyses, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. Our department offers excellent working conditions, an international multi-disciplinary working environment and excellent research infrastructure. The successful candidate will become a member of FIERCE.
Goethe University is committed to equal opportunity, family friendliness, and diversity. To strengthen the diversity of perspectives and lived experiences within the university, applications from individuals with a migration background and from members of other groups that have so far been underrepresented are particularly welcome. Applicants with a severe disability, or those legally equivalent, will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal suitability. If women are underrepresented in a faculty or administrative unit, they will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualifications.
Applications including a CV (including a list of publications), a motivation statement, a description of research interests and experiences, and names and addresses of three scientific referees, should be sent as a single PDF document by e-mail to Dr. Jeremy McCormack ( mccormack@em.uni-frankfurt.de ), Institute of Geosciences, Goethe University, Altenhöferallee 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany, by the 15.03.2026. Interviews will be scheduled for March/April 2026.
Please note that the application documents will not be returned. Costs incurred during the application process will not be reimbursed by Goethe University.