Lecturer and Research Facility Manager for the Institute of Geoosciences (IfGeo)

The University of Bonn is an international research university with a wide education and research profile. With a 200-year history, approximately 31,500 students, more than 6,000 staff, and an excellent reputation at home and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the most important universities in Germany and is recognized as a university of excellence.

The Geochemistry/Petrology section of the Institute of Geosciences (IfGeo), invites applications for a position of a

Lecturer and Research Facility Manager (f/m/d)
(A13/E13 remuneration, full time, permanent)

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to fill a full-time lecturer and research facility management position in the Core Facility Earth System Sciences that is being created at the University of Bonn. The employment will be permanent with a probationary period of 3 years. Key analytical tools that will become part of the Core Facility are EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, XRD, and Raman Spectroscopy instruments. A piston cylinder for experimental petrology and clean laboratory facilities of IfGeo’s Geochemistry/Petrology section will also be included. The Core Facility will be used by the IfGeo’s geochemistry/petrology and geology research groups, and will be accessible to IfGeo-external researchers from the University of Bonn and elsewhere. The facility provides the research infrastructure to investigate a wide spectrum of experimentally generated and natural samples (e.g., rocks, minerals, water, bones) for major and trace element geochemistry (lithophile, chalcophile & siderophile elements) and isotopic systems.

The roles of the successful candidate will include:

• teaching at the Bachelor and Master levels as well as supervision of Bachelor and Master research projects (teaching load 9/8 SWS[1]);
• improving, maintaining and managing the Solid Earth component of the Core Facility;
• working with and training users (from Bachelor students to senior researchers);
• managing orders, bills and budgets of the analytical facilities;
• organizing regular meetings with technical staff, and delegating work to technicians, whose support will enable workload management;
• acting as the Geochemistry/Petrology section Health & Safety Officer;
• pursuing their own research including acquiring external research funding and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. This should preferably be in the field of petrology/geochemistry.

The successful applicant should have:

• a PhD in Petrology, Geochemistry, or closely related field;
• expertise in electron probe microanalysis;
• a comprehensive knowledge of microanalytical work in general, including method development skills;
• experience of at least 3 years (need not be consecutive) in management and maintenance of geochemical laboratories;
• a solid track record of publications of their own research;
• experience in teaching and in Bachelor, Master, and PhD student supervision.

Welcome additional assets would be:

• experience in the installation of new instruments;
• experience in managing technical supporting staff;
• experience in mentoring research students and staff, including postdoctoral fellows;
• a record of third-party funding for their own research and/or large equipment;
• experience in experimental petrological work;
• experience in Raman Spectroscopy.

The candidate must also possess:

• Ability to integrate well in a multidisciplinary environment and be able to work on their own initiative;
• Excellent communication, organisation and coordination skills;
• proficient English language skills and the wish and ability to communicate in German at B2 level or above prior to the end of the probationary period.

In return, we offer:

• an excellent and well-funded working environment that supports innovation and high-quality research;
• opportunities to further develop and enhance your research profile;
• support for applications for additional third-party funding for your own research in the fields of petrology/geochemistry;
• pathways for further academic advancement (e.g., habilitation);
• a collaborative, international work environment that fosters cross-disciplinary exchange;
• extensive university sport programs;
• a centrally located workplace in Bonn with excellent public transport connections;
• salary according to pay grade A13 LBesO/E13 TV-L.

The position is expected to start on or before 1 January 2026, but a later start date may be negotiable for particularly strong applicants. Salary and benefits are commensurate with the German employee scale. The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. It is certified as a family-friendly university and has a Dual Career Service. Its aim is to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented and to particularly promote their careers. It therefore strongly encourages applications from relevantly qualified women. Applications are handled in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. Applications from suitable persons with proven severe disabilities and persons of equal status are particularly welcome.

Applications should be written in English and provided as a single pdf-file that should include: a letter of motivation and the contact details of three referees; a curriculum vitae (4 pages maximum); a publication list, and a brief (2 pages maximum) statement about past and future teaching, student supervision, and research experience and interests.

Applications should be sent with accordance to code number 2025/98 with deadline September 28th, 2025 to Prof. Dr. Georg Zellmer (gzellmer@uni-bonn.de). Applications will be evaluated starting 6 October 2025, and the position will be open until filled.

[1] in accordance with Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung North Rhine-Westphalia