Doctoral Researcher in the field of Earth Surface Geochemistry (m/f/x)

About us:

In the research group for Sedimentology and Earth Surface Processes, we develop quantitative constraints on the physical and chemical processes that control the evolution of landscapes, the erosion, transport, and deposition of sediments, and the global fluxes of dissolved solutes and carbon. To this end, we combine field observations, analogue experiments, geochronological methods, and geochemical analyses of sediment, soil, and water. Part of the Faculty for Geosciences, the research group is embedded in an environment with a broad range of expertise from geology and geophysics to paleontology, mineralogy, and physical geography.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

Within the ERC-funded Project “Floodplain Weathering” (FloW), we are looking for a doctoral student that will measure rates of sediment transport and weathering across the Madeira floodplain, using a series of geochemical proxies. The project involves month-long field work in Bolivia and Brazil, the analysis of sediment samples in the laboratory at LMU and at collaborating institutes, the interpretation and modeling of the results, and the communication of the findings in peer-reviewed journals and during international conferences.

Project FloW: Earth’s carbon cycle is influenced by chemical weathering. Whereas studies have explored weathering in eroding landscapes, the role of weathering during sediment storage on floodplains remains overlooked. With FloW, we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of weathering fluxes associated with sediment transport and storage in floodplains. The doctoral candidate will sample sediments stored along the 1500-km-long floodplain of the Madeira river and analyze timescales of sediment transport and weathering using a number of geochemical and sedimentological techniques.

Your qualifications:

• A master degree in Earth Science, Geology, Geochemistry or similar. Candidates with only a Bachelor degree will be considered
• A high level of competence in oral and written English
• Independent, structured, and solution-oriented thinking
• Creativity and motivation to own and drive your research project
• Willingness to travel internationally for several months including carrying out remote field-work in Bolivia and Brazil, completing laboratory work in Potsdam and in Salzburg, and attending conferences in Europe and in the USA

Benefits:

• Wide range of stimulating activities in an ambitious and research-oriented team
• Salary at 75% of TV-L E13 and 30 days paid vacation
• Flexible working hours
• A family-friendly working environment in a central Munich location
• Individual support in preparation for a career in science or industry
• Further training opportunities through the LMU Qualifications program
• Support for international students in relocating to Munich through the LMU Gateway service

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact:

Inquiries prior to the application deadline can be directed to a.bufe@lmu.de.

To apply, please submit the following documents in English language, compiled into a single PDF file to E-Mail by 25 April 2025:

• Cover letter explaining your motivation to do your PhD as part of the project FloW (max. two pages).
• A short CV (max. two pages)
• A writing-sample, such as a masters or bachelor thesis or similar (term paper, published article, etc.)
• Contact information of two references
• Copies of your Bachelor and Master degrees with transcripts

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