Research Associate (m-f-d) at the Faculty of Natural Science III, Institute of Geoscience and Geography

Research Associate (m-f-d)

The Faculty of Natural Science III, Institute of Geoscience and Geography, at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is seeking a full-time Research Associate (m-f-d) for a fixed term of 3 years, starting from 01.12.2026.

Remuneration will be determined based on job duties and responsibilities and will be aligned with the fulfillment of listed personal requirements, up to pay grade __ under the TV-L (Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst der Länder – 'German Public Service Pay Agreement for the Federal States').

At the Institute of Earth Sciences and Geography, in the Mineralogy -Geochemistry Division, we conduct research on applied (geo)materials and aim to contribute solutions to application-oriented problems through an in-depth understanding of mineralogy, geochemistry, and crystallography. To this end, we utilize a wide range of complementary physico-chemical analytical methods to understand structure-property relationships from the atomic to the macroscopic scale.

Job Responsibilities:

• Research and Teaching in the field of applied mineralogy.
• Management, operation, and methodological advancement of Raman spectroscopy.
• Development of measurement methods for the in-situ analysis of high-temperature processes.
• Material synthesis with different synthesis methods (solid state synthesis, wet chemical synthesis).
• Data analysis and simulation with computational methods.
• Support in the preparation, application, and implementation of externally funded projects.
• Participation in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in “Applied Geosciences,” including those taught in English, as well as supervision of B.Sc. and M.Sc. theses.
• Assistance with administrative tasks related to laboratory support (e.g., furnace lab, optics lab, XRD).
• Scientific publication in english.

The opportunity to complete your own scientific qualification is given.

Requirements:

• A successfully completed graduate degree (Master’s, Diplom, or equivalent) in mineralogy, geosciences, materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• A completed Ph.D. in one of these fields.
• Proven expertise in materials synthesis and analysis using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy, as demonstrated by publications.
• In-depth knowledge of programming with Python.
• Knowledge of various classes of materials (e.g., functional materials, metallic materials) is an asset.
• Experience in applying machine learning and artificial intelligence for data analysis is desirable.
• Extensive publication experience (at least two publications as first author in peer-reviewed journals).
• Experience in mentoring early-career researchers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in German and English.
• Good communication and information management skills, a goal-oriented and structured approach to work, initiative and willingness to take on tasks, and the ability to work effectively in a team.

We offer:

• Access to a modern and well-equipped laboratory infrastructure for (spatially resolved) chemical-structural analysis,
• interesting and varied fields of activity with creative freedom at the largest employer in the region
• the opportunity to support the education of young people through your work and to contribute to gaining new insights and answering important scientific research questions
• public service employment with remuneration according to the Tarifvertrag der Länder (TV-L) (‘Collective Agreement for the Public Service’) including an annual special payment and a company pension
• a secure job with attractive working conditions (home office, flexible working hours, and variable part-time models)
• 30 days of annual vacation plus additional days off on December 24 and 31
• a family-friendly, diversity-oriented, and intercultural work environment at a certified family-oriented university, including holiday childcare
• comprehensive staff development throughout all career stages with diverse training and qualification opportunities, including educational leave
• a health management framework to promote and maintain good health, as well as a broad university sports program
• the opportunity to participate in diverse social communities (e.g. university sports teams, university choir or university orchestra)
• exciting events such as the Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften (Long Night of the Sciences), University Information Day, and the University Winter Ball

Applications from disabled persons, including those of equal status (as certified by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit / Federal Employment Agency), will be given preferential consideration if they are equally suitable and qualified. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications from individuals of all nationalities are explicitly welcome. Applicants with a degree that was not obtained at a German university must submit a Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) (https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education) as proof of equivalence upon conclusion of the employment contract. You can find ways to apply for a financial grant for this under: https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/pro/anerkennungszuschuss.php#.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Prof. Dr. Christiane Stephan -Scherb, Tel.: 0345 55 -26110, E-Mail: christiane.stephan-scherb@geo.uni-halle.de.

Please send your application, including Reg. No. : 5-8558/26-H with the required documents to Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Institute of Earth Sciences and Geography, Ms. Marie Petzold, marie.petzold@geo.uni-halle.de. The application deadline is at the 2nd of Octobre, 2026.

This job posting is subject to potential budgetary restrictions. Application costs will not be reimbursed by Martin Luther University. Application documents will only be returned if a sufficiently stamped envelope is enclosed. Electronic applications are welcome.