The University of Bayreuth is seeking a Doctoral Researcher to join the ERC-funded SEMPATHY project under the supervision of Professor Christoph Helbig, Professor of Ecological Resource Technology. The research will focus on developing next-generation Industrial Ecology methods for Material Flow Analyses, with a particular emphasis on Global Metal Pathways. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates interested in environmental science, resource technology, and sustainability research. The SEMPATHY project aims to advance the field of Industrial Ecology by innovating new methodologies for analyzing material flows at a global scale. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic research environment, collaborating with experts in ecological resource technology and contributing to impactful research on sustainable resource management. Applicants should possess a relevant master's degree in environmental science, industrial ecology, or a closely related discipline. Experience with material flow analysis and data analysis is highly desirable. The position is fully funded by the European Research Council, providing financial support for the duration of the doctoral studies. The University of Bayreuth offers a vibrant academic community and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply directly to the University of Bayreuth. For more information, refer to the LinkedIn post or contact Professor Christoph Helbig via his LinkedIn profile. This position is ideal for those passionate about sustainability, global resource flows, and innovative research in industrial ecology.

The University of Bayreuth is seeking a Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) to join the ERC-funded SEMPATHY project under the supervision of Professor Christoph Helbig. This position focuses on Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and the development of innovative Material Pathway Analysis methods to track metals throughout their lifecycle, from mining to recycling. The research will involve developing data structures for global metal flow compositions and analyzing the lifecycle of metals, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and closing material cycles. The successful candidate will work within an international, interdisciplinary team and benefit from a fully funded position (TV-L E13, 75% with a possible 25% increase), generous travel and open access funding, and support from the UBT Graduate School and Welcome Center. The project is based in Bayreuth, Germany, offering a high quality of life in Upper Franconia. Applicants should have a relevant background in environmental science, materials science, engineering, or related fields, and a passion for sustainability and data-driven research. The application deadline is 9 January 2026. For more information, interested candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Helbig directly.

The University of Bayreuth is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Chair for Ecological Resource Technology within the ERC Starting Grant project 'SEMPATHY'. The research group specializes in the modeling, simulation, and evaluation of global material cycles, with a focus on sustainable technical systems for metals and mineral resources. The project aims to develop a novel modeling approach for global and sustainable metal cycles, addressing the challenge of closing material cycles to limit the environmental impact of metals in the technosphere. The technical lifespan of many metals is short, and the project will develop the Material Pathway Analysis method to better model metals in materials, components, products, and waste streams throughout their life cycle. The position involves developing a modeling framework for material path analysis, creating new methodologies for calculating material flows, and researching innovative visualization techniques for mixed material flows. The successful candidate will also co-supervise work packages within the SEMPATHY project, conduct independent research, coordinate with research partners, and disseminate results through publications and conferences. The position offers a supportive environment for scientific and personal development, including opportunities for international research exchange, further qualification courses, and integration of research results into a habilitation procedure. The salary is based on the German public service pay scale (TV-L E13), with generous travel and open access funding. The position is temporary, funded by project grants, and may last two years with the possibility of extension or up to five years. Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field, excellent English skills, and ideally experience in critical raw materials, circular economy, recycling, or related areas. Programming skills in Python or similar languages are desirable. The University of Bayreuth values diversity and encourages applications from women, individuals with children, and persons with disabilities. The application deadline is November 14, 2025. For more information, contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Helbig.