Svenja Riedesel

The University of Cologne’s Institute of Geography is offering an interdisciplinary PhD project on the Rhine floodplain as a biogeochemically coupled system under stress. The project examines how altered hydrology shapes floodplain sediment dynamics and the wider ecosystem response, linking physical and geochemical processes with biodiversity, food webs, microbial activity, and greenhouse gas emissions. The doctoral researcher will contribute to a collaborative project with other PhD students and a postdoc, working across field and laboratory settings. The advertised research tasks include characterising floodplain sediments with sedimentological and geochemical techniques, determining deposition ages and sedimentation rates using luminescence dating and fallout radionuclides, quantifying microplastics and heavy metals in sediments, and assessing bioturbation through luminescence-based methods, earthworm surveys, and laboratory experiments. The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary environment at the University of Cologne, with joint field campaigns and work at the Ecological Research Station Rees. The project offers the chance to engage with floodplain research at the interface of geography, earth system processes, and environmental change, within one of Europe’s largest and oldest universities.

The University of Cologne, one of Europe's largest and oldest universities, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the Institute of Geography within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. This position is part of the Volkswagen Foundation-funded project 'Soil and Landscape Dynamics – Quantifying Processes in Earth’s Critical Zone.' The research centers on identifying weathering-induced luminescence characteristics and developing a luminescence-based weathering proxy, with a particular focus on feldspar minerals. The successful candidate will conduct laboratory-based experiments to develop a time series on feldspar weathering, analyze petrological and luminescence-based properties of feldspars from quasi-natural weathering environments, and quantify luminescence features influenced by weathering in both laboratory and natural settings. Responsibilities also include presenting research findings at national and international conferences and publishing scientific articles. Applicants must have a PhD in Geography, Geology, Physics, or a related field, with experience in experimental laboratory work, complex data analysis, and luminescence measurements or dating. Experience with geochemical and/or petrological analysis methods is desirable. The position offers a diverse and inclusive working environment, support for work-life balance, advanced training opportunities, occupational health management, flexible working models, and the possibility to work remotely. The contract is full-time (39.83 hours/week) for 24 months, with salary based on the German public sector pay scale (group 13 TV-L). The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. The position starts on March 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted online by November 23, 2025, referencing Wiss2511-03, and should include proof of qualifications but no photo. For further inquiries, contact Jun.-Professor Dr Svenja Riedesel.