Patrick Fink
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Postdoctoral Scientist in Interdisciplinary Floodplain Research University of Cologne in Germany
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Geology
Funding
Full-time postdoctoral position paid at remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector, fixed term until 31 January 2030.
Deadline
Dec 4, 2026
Country
Germany
University
University of Cologne
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About this position
This postdoctoral position is based in the Institute of Zoology, General Ecology research group at the University of Cologne and is part of the project “The Rhine Floodplain – a Biogeochemically Coupled System under Stress.” The project examines how altered hydrology shapes floodplain sediment dynamics, biodiversity, food webs, microbial activity, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The successful researcher will develop a mechanistic framework connecting hydrological drivers with biotic, sedimentary, and biogeochemical floodplain processes. The work combines water-level and sedimentary records with an existing hydronumeric model to derive inundation and connectivity metrics, and to assess habitat availability under past and projected conditions.
Beyond analysis, the role is strongly integrative: the postdoc will lead a concept-driven synthesis of floodplain functioning across a network of bio- and geoscientists, coordinate the project’s joint sampling design and field campaigns, publish as lead author, and contribute to a planned Collaborative Research Centre. The position also includes co-supervision of students and co-organisation of an international summer school.
The University of Cologne presents the role as part of an interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment with several PhD students, bringing together ecological, hydrological, sedimentary, and biogeochemical perspectives on a river floodplain system under environmental stress.
Funding details
Full-time postdoctoral position paid at remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector, fixed term until 31 January 2030.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in hydrology, physical geography, geosciences, ecology or a related field. The post requires a strong publication record appropriate to career stage, strong skills in hydrological data analysis using R or Python and GIS-based spatial analysis, and experience with hydronumeric modelling and/or habitat suitability modelling. Experience in fieldwork is expected, experience in coordinating collaborative research is desirable, and excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English at C1 equivalent level are essential; some knowledge of German is beneficial.
How to apply
Apply online through the University of Cologne job portal at https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de/bewerben/2796. Submit proof of the required qualifications without a photo and use reference number Wiss2611-01. Contact Professor Dr Patrick Fink for further inquiries.
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Professors
Professor Dr at University of Cologne
Germany
Research Interests
Ecology
Marine Biology
Nutrient Cycling
Freshwater Ecology
Biofilm Formation
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.