Postdoctoral Researcher; m​/f​/d): Environmental Assessment and Sustainability of Deep-Sea Mining

Constructor University invites applications from interested candidates for the following position, to be filled ideally by 01.10.2026:
Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d):
Environmental Assessment and Sustainability of Deep-Sea Mining (TVöD E 13; Full-time; limited until 31.07.2028).

Background and Research Question:
Seafloor massive sulphide deposits are being discussed as a possible future source of critical metals. In the collaborative project Deep Sea Sampling II (DSS II), funded under the Maritime Research Programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the exploration and extraction of massive sulphides is examined in an integrated manner and a minimally invasive vertical mining technology is being developed.

The Constructor University subproject in the marine geochemistry group is developing an environmental monitoring concept for this purpose, focusing on the release of potentially toxic trace metals at the seafloor and in the water column. The advertised position addresses the requirements for this environmental monitoring as well as the assessment of the environmental impacts of the new mining concept in comparison with other extraction methods in the deep sea and on land.

The work is carried out in the context of the ongoing development of mining regulations at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and draws comparatively on results from the parallel JPI Oceans project Mining Impact 3. The work is conducted in close cooperation with the research and industry partners in the consortium, in particular with the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR).

• Developing the requirements for environmental monitoring in the operation of the vertical mining system
• Assessing the potential environmental impacts of the mining concept in comparison with other deep-sea technologies and with land-based mining
• Developing proposals for baseline data and threshold values for potentially harmful substance releases with regard to the ISA environmental regulations
• Developing a sustainability concept covering ecological, social and economic aspects, including an evaluation of life cycle assessment (LCA)
• Contributing to the evaluation and interpretation of the environmental data collected in the subproject from laboratory and field measurements
• Writing reports and scientific publications, presenting results at conferences and project meetings

• Completed university degree (Master) and doctorate in geosciences, environmental sciences or a comparable subject
• Knowledge of marine mineral resources and/or of the environmental impacts of technical interventions in the deep sea
• Experience in environmental impact assessment and in synthesising heterogeneous data sets
• Good spoken and written German (required for project reasons) as well as good English
• Interest in interdisciplinary cooperation, including with industry partners
• Willingness to travel to project meetings and conferences
• Ideally experience with life cycle assessment (LCA) methods
• Ideally knowledge of the regulatory framework of deep-sea mining (e.g. ISA)
• Ideally peer‑reviewed publications

• Individual on-boarding, career- and development planning
• Company fitness program offers with EGYM Well Pass
• In collaboration with Deutsche Dienstrad – Lease a company bike, whether it’s a bicycle, road bike, or e-bike, for both private and business use.
• 30 days of annual leave, plus additional days off for special occasions
• Green campus with extensive dining options and recreation areas, take the tour:
• Campus Constructor University has extensive programs on sustainability, environmental sustainability, equal opportunities and high ethical value.

Constructor…