Research Assistant (PhD position) in Organic Geochemistry at the University of Bremen 2026

MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen, is offering a position for a Research Assistant (PhD position) in the research group Organic Geochemistry within the ERC Synergy Project “Archean Park”.

They are seeking a highly motivated candidate with expertise in organic geochemistry and microbial biogeochemistry, who is interested in research in a multi-site, interdisciplinary, and international team. The PhD will be conducted at the Faculty of Geoscience of the University of Bremen.

The specific tasks mainly include: 

• Analysis of the compositional diversity of natural organic compounds (dissolved compounds and lipids) in enrichment cultures as well as in environmental samples from volcanic CO2 vents
• Conducting stable carbon isotope tracer experiments on enrichment cultures, followed by isotopic analyses of metabolites to characterize potential new chemoautotrophic metabolic pathways
• Participation in sampling campaigns in Germany and other European countries
• Close collaboration with other internal and external members of the Archean Park project
• Interpretation of results, integration of published data, preparation of scientific manuscripts, and presentations at international conferences

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 19, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Bremen
• City to studyBremen
• School to studyUniversity of Bremen
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Annual special payment (‘year-end bonus’), regular automatic salary increases in line with collective agreements and additional public service pension scheme (VBL)
• A crisis-proof, interesting and varied job in an open-minded university
• 30 days' holiday per calendar year
• A diverse, future-orientated and open corporate culture
• Support from a collegial, motivated team with a positive working atmosphere
• Personalized induction training
• The opportunity for further and advanced training
• Compatibility of family and career through flexible working hours (‘flexitime’) and the option of mobile working (subject to the general conditions)
• Free social and family counselling services
• Active company health management, including the option of discounts at local sports clubs, gyms and swimming pools (EGYM WELLPASS)
• The option of using a job ticket for local public transport
• Numerous sports and cultural activities
• Varied catering options in the student union canteens

Requirements

• Successfully  completed scientific university degree (master's/university diploma) in geosciences, chemistry, or biology
• Solid knowledge in organic geochemistry and/or microbial biogeochemistry, ideally combined with practical experience
• Experience in mass spectrometry and gas and/or liquid chromatography is desirable
• Good command over spoken and written English
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to communicate in an international research environment

Application Documents

• Cover letter
• Your CV
• Copies of transcripts and qualification certificates
• Statement of research interests in the context of project
• Your master thesis
• Contact information of two references

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please send your application with your complete documents, quoting the reference number A021-26 as a single PDF file by unencrypted e-mail to: bewerbung-a02126marum.de.
• or by mail to:
  Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Hinrichs
  MARUM – Universität Bremen
  Leobener Str. 8
  28359 Bremen