Institute of Earth Sciences, Heidelberg University

The Paleoenvironmental Dynamics Group within the Institute of Earth Sciences, Heidelberg University, Germany, invites applications for a

PhD position in Terrestrial Micropaleontology / Paleoclimatology

The project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and aims to unravel the effects of mid-Pliocene to early Pleistocene climate change on terrestrial ecosystems in SE Africa. The study will be based on sediment cores from the Mozambique Channel that have been recovered during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 361. Methodologically, the project will depend on quantitative palynology (notably pollen and spores). The palynological results will be integrated with other paleoclimatic proxy data generated by the IODP Science Party (e.g., organic and inorganic geochemistry, sedimentology), ultimately providing both qualitative and quantitative information on climate and ecosystem dynamics across a critical interval of early hominid evolution in Africa.

Requirements for applicants are completion of a MSc degree in geosciences or a closely related discipline prior to appointment, and written and spoken fluency in English. The successful candidate should further have a strong background in micropaleontology (preferably palynology) and paleoclimatology. The work will be conducted at the Institute of Earth Sciences in Heidelberg, Germany. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possible extension of one year depending on performance and continued external funding. Salary and social security benefits are according to a German civil service position.

Heidelberg University is committed to increasing the proportion of female scientific staff, and applications from women are especially welcome. Disabled persons will be given preference if equally qualified.

Applications (CV, cover letter including a statement of research interests, and contact information of three referees familiar with the applicant’s research) should be sent as a single pdf file to Dr. Andreas Koutsodendris (E-mail: andreas.koutsodendris@geow.uni-heidelberg.de). The closing date for applications is December 20, 2019.

For additional information please contact Dr. Andreas Koutsodendris, Paleoenvironmental Dynamics Group, Institute of Earth Sciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 234, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; E-mail: andreas.koutsodendris@geow.uni-heidelberg.de