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Sonja Berg
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PhD position in paleoecology of Antarctic lakes University of Cologne in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Paleontology
Funding
Funded by the DFG under the Priority Programme SPP 1158 Antarctic Research; paid at remuneration group 13 TV-L if wage requirements and personal qualifications are met.
Deadline
Dec 15, 2026
Country
Germany
University
University of Cologne
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About this position
This PhD project is based at the Institute of Geology and Mineralogy | Geobiology at the University of Cologne and is embedded in the DFG Priority Programme SPP 1158 Antarctic Research. The research focuses on the palaeoecological evolution of lakes in East Antarctica, with particular attention to how microbial communities changed during the Holocene in response to environmental and climatic shifts.
The successful candidate will work with sediment deposits from several Antarctic lakes to reconstruct past environmental conditions and ecosystem development over time. A central element of the project is the analysis and interpretation of lipid biomarkers, supported by additional micro- and macro-palaeontological, sedimentological, and isotopic geochemical observations. The work is aimed at improving understanding of limnic systems and the interactions between ecology and environmental change in an extreme polar setting.
Day-to-day research involves planning, carrying out, and evaluating laboratory and analytical work on Antarctic sediment samples. The project uses a range of techniques including GC-MS, HPLC-UV-Vis spectrophotometry, EA-IRMS, and microscopic methods. The PhD student will also integrate results from these complementary datasets, present findings at conferences, and publish in international specialist journals.
The position offers research in an internationally well-established research group with an interdisciplinary environment and opportunities to connect with researchers inside and outside the project. Supervision contact is provided by Dr Sonja Berg and Professor Dr Christine Heim at the University of Cologne.
Funding details
Funded by the DFG under the Priority Programme SPP 1158 Antarctic Research; paid at remuneration group 13 TV-L if wage requirements and personal qualifications are met.
What's required
A postgraduate degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in a subject area relevant to the project, such as earth sciences, environmental sciences, or a related discipline is required. Applicants should have a sound background in at least one relevant area and be willing to learn further methods and research questions. Experience in organic geochemistry, biomarker analysis (e.g. GC-MS, HPLC-MS), microscopy, and sedimentology is particularly welcome. Motivation for interdisciplinary and international research, willingness to collaborate inside and outside the project, good communication and teamwork skills, and excellent written and spoken English are expected.
How to apply
Apply online via the University of Cologne job portal. Submit proof of the required qualifications without a photo using reference number Wiss2611-09. For questions, contact Dr Sonja Berg or Professor Dr Christine Heim by email.
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Professors
Professor Dr at University of Cologne
Germany
Research Interests
Hydrology
Paleontology
Freshwater Ecology
Deep-sea Ecology
Eutrophication
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.