Doctoral student; m​/f​/d field of Geomorphology​/Geoarchaeology and Luminescence Dating

Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.

Support us from 01.05.2026 in part-time (75 %) as a

The position is part of the externally funded project "The irrigated meadows of the Wiesent River catchment (Northern Franconian Alb) in its historical depth. A blueprint for agrarian-dominated floodplain systems" as part of the DFG Priority Program (SPP 2361/2) “Fluvial Anthroposphere” and is to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification at the Chair of Physical Geography, Department of Geography at the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Geography.

The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for period of 3 years.

The project is based on the hypothesis that irrigated meadows in the Wiesent river catchment (Northern Franconian Alb / Germany) have had a significant influence on fluvial floodplain dynamics and floodplain ecology since the Middle Ages. Previous studies show that Holocene sedimentation dynamics changed dramatically with the introduction of agriculture in the Neolithic period, with the Middle Ages emerging as a phase of particular dynamism.

The aim of the project is to investigate the extent to which the introduction of water meadows is responsible for the change in medieval fluvial dynamics. In addition to extensive fieldwork and sedimentological and pedological analyses, the focus is on high-resolution sediment dating using innovative luminescence dating techniques. The work is being carried out in close cooperation with the Historical Geography and Archaeology at the University of Bamberg, as well as other partners from physical geography and soil science.

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate (m/f/d) to contribute to this innovative research project. Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and conducting extensive fieldwork for systematic sediment sampling using e.g. percussion drilling within the floodplain systems
• Collecting and preparing sediment samples for sedimentological analysis and luminescence dating
• Applying advanced luminescence dating techniques and interpreting geospatial data
• Contributing to current scientific debates in Quaternary geochronology, fluvial geomorphology and geoarchaeology

The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification.

• Completed Master‘s or equivalent university degree in Geography, Geosciences, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in luminescence dating, fluvial geomorphology, and geochronological methods
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in Upper Franconia and to participate in national and international conferences
• Good proficiency in English (spoken and written); basics in German would be advantageous
• Driving license

• A varied job with flexible working hours
• Free use of local public transport (Landes Ticket Hessen)
• More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
• Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte hochschule")

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by February 28 th , 2026
, indicating reference number 126/07. We look forward to receiving your application.