Environmental research with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with a focus on Soil Science

Faculty of Geography and Geosciences:
Soil Science Soil Resources Group

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%;) at the earliest possible date we are looking for 1.

The Soil Science and Soil Resources Group (Prof. Ines Mulder) investigates biogeochemical processes in soils and develops analytical methods to characterize anthropogenic substances in soils and urban ecosystems.

The focus of this position is on the application and further development of high-resolution mass spectrometric methods in combination with liquid chromatography to detect organic micro-pollutants in complex soil and environmental samples. The research concentrates on disinfectants, pharmaceutical residues, and other organic trace substances, whose entry into (peri-)urban soils may alter ecosystem functioning.

Scope: full-time

Duration: fixed-term, 3 years

Start: at the earliest possible date

Apply by:

• Project management for the quantification of disinfectants and antibiotics in environmental samples using UPLC-MS/MS and UPLC-HRMS, including laboratory and data analysis work
• Establishment of an analytical platform for organic trace substance analysis in cooperation with the Hydrogeochemistry Group, including administration, data, and quality assurance
• Further development of existing analytical methods, including non-target analysis
• Method development for the analysis of novel compounds from environmental samples
• Conducting field and laboratory work for data collection
• Preparation and publication of project results in scientific journals
• Opportunity to apply for and develop your own projects
• Teaching up to 4 hours per week per semester for geography students and supporting students during data collection, evaluation, and analysis for theses

• Master’s degree in environmental sciences, geography, earth sciences, environmental analytics, or a similar discipline
• Completed doctorate with a relevant focus is desirable
• Enthusiasm for soil science topics
• Knowledge in analytical chemistry and statistical methods is required
• Strong interest in a scientific career
• Interest in publishing in German and English
• Experience in university teaching is an advantage
• Excellent knowledge of the German language (for teaching) or willingness to learn German
• Excellent English language skills (written and spoken)
• Willingness to perform independent laboratory and field work
• Willingness to travel and undertake multi-day to multi-week international stays for sampling campaigns

• Excellent, exciting and supportive research environment
• Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
• Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
• Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
• A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.

Further information can be found at  (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.

The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).

RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign…