About us

The Organic Geochemistry group at the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM, www.icbm.de) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to carry out projects on the biogeochemistry and geomicrobiology of B vitamins and coenzyme A thioesters.

The ICBM is an interdisciplinary research institute for basic and applied marine research. The internationally renowned institute aims to understand the functioning of marine environmental systems through close cooperation between the various scientific disciplines (chemistry, biology, physics, mathematical modelling) of its more than 20 research groups. The ICBM’s Organic Geochemistry group investigates the origin, properties and fate of organic matter in marine ecosystems. We are particularly interested in the role of microbial transformation of organic compounds in the biogeochemical carbon cycle. Precise knowledge of the structure of the organic compounds involved is of fundamental importance. We have established a comprehensive portfolio of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of biochemicals, including B vitamins, coenzyme A thioesters, respiratory quinones, amino acids, and intact membrane lipids in biological and environmental samples. We are investigating the largely overlooked role of B vitamins in biogeochemically relevant metabolic processes and are attempting to establish intact coenzyme a thioesters as tracers of ongoing metabolism in environmental samples. A further aim is to establish a method for determining the intramolecular distribution of the isotopes of individual elements (C, H, N, S, O) in B vitamins and other biochemicals, in particular to investigate their origin, biosynthesis and distribution in microbial cultures and environmental samples. To implement this approach, we cooperate closely with research groups at the ICBM that specialise in microbiology.

Your tasks

You are enthusiastic about investigating the occurrence and structure of biogeochemically relevant organic compounds using various modern and complementary analytical, including isotopic, approaches, as well as developing suitable quantification methods and applying these to real samples from natural habitats. You like to participate in the scientific supervision of the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry equipment, including a high-resolution tribrid mass spectrometer, and take on teaching duties in the form of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical courses (a total of four semester hours per week) as well as the supervision of final theses in the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree programs in Environmental Sciences and Marine Environmental Sciences.

Your profile

Required qualifications:

• University degree (Master or Diploma (not from a university of applied sciences)) in chemistry, environmental sciences or geosciences or a related discipline
• PhD with a dissertation on a topic related to analytical organic chemistry or molecular organic geochemistry

Desirable qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in chromatography (especially liquid chromatography), mass spectrometry (including high resolution techniques) and coupling of these techniques
• Knowledge and experience in compound-specific and/or intramolecular isotope geochemistry
• Experience in teaching on Bachelor's and Master's degree programs
• Initiative, ability to work in a team as well as experience in and willingness to conduct interdisciplinary research

We offer

We offer a stimulating scientific environment in an internationally connected, open, and friendly working environment. We offer mentoring and support in building or developing research skills, both through support within the institute and through various programs available at the University of Oldenburg, as well as the academic freedom to develop an independent research profile. The compatibility of career and family is a particular concern of the University of Oldenburg. We therefore offer the possibility of flexible working hours and workplaces. Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. Oldenburg is a modern city with a high quality of life.

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Apply now

Please send your application via e-mail by 15.11.2025 to

heinz.wilkes@uni-oldenburg.de

Applications with the usual documents (letter of application/motivation, informative CV, list of publications, certificates) should be submitted in a single pdf file.