Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories – your own and those of our university.

Support us in a full-time position as a Postdoc (m/f/d) in Radiofluorescence (IR-RF) dating of feldspars applied to Quaternary sediments.

The position is part of the externally funded project „Emission-specific IR-RadioFluorescence (IR-RF) sediment dating“ and is to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification at the Chair of Physical Geography, Department of Geography at the Faculty of Mathematics and Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Geography. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for a period of 3 years.

Your tasks at a glance
Your role in the above-mentioned research project involves the methodological refinement of the IR-RF dating method (IR radiofluorescence dating) for feldspars, as well as the development of a practical IR-RF dating protocol for Quaternary sediments. The work includes, among other things:

  • IR-RF spectrometry measurements
  • Spatially resolved IR-RF measurements using a CCD camera
  • Adaptation of the existing mathematical IR-RF model for K-feldspars
  • Adaptation of the measurement protocol (IRSAR) and its application to sediment samples to verify its practical suitability

For this work, the luminescence laboratory at Justus Liebig University Giessen provides access to two high-end Lexsyg luminescence analyzers (including an RF unit), a Peltier-cooled spectrometer, as well as two Lexsyg Smart and two Risø luminescence analyzers.

The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification.

Your qualifications and competences

  • A completed graduate degree in a natural science discipline (preferably Earth Sciences or Physics)
  • A dissertation on a relevant topic and publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Experience in the field of luminescence dating and in working with luminescence measurement instruments
  • Knowledge of luminescence spectrometry and CCD cameras is a plus
  • Willingness to undertake short-term stays at collaborating luminescence laboratories in Germany and abroad
  • Willingness to participate in national and international conferences
  • Good written and spoken English skills

Our offer to you

  • An attractive work environment in a young team of geoscientists, luminescence dating specialists, and Quaternary researchers
  • A varied job with flexible working hours
  • Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
  • More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
  • Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
  • Good compatibility of family and career (certificate „audit familiengerechte hochschule“)

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Markus Fuchs by e-mail (markus.fuchs@geogr.uni-giessen.de).

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women’s promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us? Apply by December 20th, 2026 via our careers website. We look forward to receiving your application.