Jobs

Job announcements for positions within the group of Earth and Planetary Geodynamics (EPG) will be listed here. We also welcome discussions about potential PhD or postdoctoral fellowship applications to various funding agencies; several relevant funding schemes are listed below. Finally, the following working document outlines the expectations for prospective group members, as well as what you can expect from the chair, Prof. Dr. Anna Gülcher, as a supervisor and mentor.

Expectation document EPG group

Open positions

EPSS@UFR is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation within its “Understanding the Earth as a System” initiative. This program supports research across Germany that redefines Earth System Sciences within a broader, interdisciplinary framework. This grant establishes a new research focus at the University of Freiburg that connects Earth System Science with Planetary Science. EPSS@UFR uses Venus as a natural laboratory for exploring the evolution of Earth, Venus, and similar rocky worlds. The project is structured around three interconnected themes: (i) tectonics and volcanism on Venus and early Earth, (ii) mission preparation and data integration, and (iii) coupled interior–climate pathways of rocky planets. Within this framework, several positions will be funded:

Postdoctoral position in (coupled) interior-atmosphere evolution

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in our Earth and Planetary Geodynamics (EPG) research group at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The successful candidate will investigate the interior and atmospheric evolution of Venus and Venus-like planets.

The position is offered for an initial two-year period with the possibility of extension, with an expected start in summer 2026 (although this is flexible). It is fully funded (100% TV-L E13 pay scale) and includes a dedicated research budget for computational resources, conference travel, and related project expenses.

About the role

The successful applicant will develop and analyze geodynamic models to investigate the interior evolution of Venus and Venus-like planets and their connections to atmospheric chemistry. A central goal is to establish a catalogue of interior evolution scenarios and to quantify how tectonic and magmatic processes regulate volatile exchange between the mantle and atmosphere. The candidate will examine how these processes shape planetary environments on regional and global scales, including the conditions under which key planetary transitions or tipping points may emerge. The project will involve the use of diverse scientific software (e.g., StagYY, Atmodeller, and custom post-processing tools), with model results linked to observations from past and forthcoming Venus missions, including ESA’s EnVision and NASA’s VERITAS and DAVINCI+. Depending on the applicant’s qualifications and interests, the emphasis may lie more strongly on geodynamics, mission data analysis, or atmospheric chemistry.

In addition to research activities, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to contribute to teaching, mentoring, and supervision. As the EPG group is actively developing courses within the MSc Earth and Planetary Sciences programme, there are opportunities to co-develop lectures and course materials.

About the research environment

The University of Freiburg offers a vibrant, collaborative, and rapidly evolving research environment. Geosciences are embedded within the interdisciplinary Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources (UNR), which brings together researchers across Earth, planetary, and environmental sciences, geography, and forest sciences. The department is expanding its planetary science profile and launching an Earth and Planetary Sciences major within the redesigned Earth Sciences MSc curriculum. The Earth and Planetary Geodynamics group will be part of this growing framework and benefit from strong institutional support, close collaboration with neighbouring research groups, and an active national and international network. The group offers a collegial atmosphere with frequent interactions, career development support, and ample teaching and mentoring opportunities.

About you

Preferred qualifications include a PhD in planetary science, geoscience, geophysics, atmospheric science, or a closely related field. Candidates with experience or a strong interest in planetary geodynamics and atmospheric chemistry modelling are particularly welcome. The position requires strong quantitative skills and solid programming experience, including high-performance computing and proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Julia, or similar tools. You are expected to play an active role in the newly established research group, contribute to the broader university community, mentor students, support teaching at the MSc level, and present research at international meetings.

Application requirements

To apply, please email Anna Gülcher (anna.guelcher@geodynamics.uni-freiburg.de) a single PDF containing:

Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals (max. 2 pages)
CV
Publication list
Names and contact details of at least two references

Review of applications will begin on February 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants from underrepresented groups, non-traditional career paths, and a wide range of experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

For questions about the position, please contact Anna Gülcher directly.

PhD position in tectonics on Venus vs. early Earth

About us

An overview of the Earth and Planetary Geodyamics (EPG) research group.

Teaching

Our teaching offerings and information about theses/research projects.

Team

Introduction to our team members, a list of contact details, and location.

Other funding opportunities and sources

Researchers interested in joining the EPG group at the University of Freiburg are encouraged to apply for individual fellowships or scholarships that support doctoral or postdoctoral research in Germany. Many of the programs listed below provide full financial support, including a monthly stipend or salary, travel allowance, and research expenses. I am happy to support candidates in developing competitive proposals for these schemes or to apply directly for fellowships with a candidate in mind.

Funding for PhD positions

Funding for postdoc positions

DFG Walter Benjamin Programme (Germany)

This programme from the German Research Foundation (DFG) supports early-career researchers in conducting independent research in Germany or abroad. Provides full salary and project-related expenses for up to two years for researchers they consider well integrated in the German academic system.
Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers (Germany)

Prestigious fellowship for international postdocs who wish to conduct independent research with a host in Germany. Covers living costs and (generous) research expenses for 6–24 months, as well as an intensive German language course.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships (EU)

EU-funded fellowships supporting cross-border research mobility and independent projects in collaboration with a European host. Applicants apply jointly with their host institution.
SNSF Postdoc.Mobility (Switzerland)

The Swiss National Science Foundation offers postdoctoral fellowships for researchers trained in Switzerland, or Swiss nationals, to carry out research abroad. Funding covers living costs, travel, and research expenses, and can support returning to Switzerland afterward.
Other national “postdoc abroad” programs

Just like the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), many national research councils offer postdoctoral mobility schemes to support researchers pursuing research abroad. Examples include the Dutch NWO Rubicon programme, the French ANR mobility fellowships, and the US NSF postdoctoral fellowships.
EPG’s own Postdoc positions

Occasionally, fully funded postdoc positions are advertised through projects in our group externally funded through a grant.

Moreover, there are opportunities for funding schemes for research visits and stays at Freiburg, as well as collaborative projects. Please get in touch if you are interested in any of these!

Funding for collaborative projects and research visits/stays

Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies (FRIAS)

FRIAS offers time-limited research residencies in Freiburg, welcoming both established researchers and promising early-career scholars (with a minimum of a completed PhD) from all disciplines, based in Freiburg, Europe, and beyond. To support collaborative initiatives, FRIAS also funds group research projects that bring together interdisciplinary teams, encouraging innovative approaches to research topics and questions across all fields. You can find more information on the many funding schemes of FRIAS on the webpage below, please do reach out if you are interested in any of the FRIAS funding schemes!
PhD visitor fellowships and exchange opportunities

Many national PhD funding schemes and universities offer short-term research fellowships or mobility grants that support doctoral candidates spending several months abroad at a host institution. Examples include DAAD Short-Term Research Grants, Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, Erasmus+ mobility funding, and national doctoral programs with a research stay abroad component (e.g., from NWO, SNSF, NSF, or ANR). I am happy to host visiting PhD researchers interested in short-term collaborative projects.
External funding schemes for research visits

Many funding programs support short-term research visits for postdoctoral or early-career researchers to collaborate with host institutions abroad. Examples include DAAD Research Stays for Academics and Scientists, DFG Mobility Funding, and Mercator Fellowships, as well as institutional travel or mobility grants offered by universities and research councils. Such visits typically last from a few weeks to several months and foster scientific exchange and collaboration. I am happy to host visiting postdoctoral or early-career researchers interested in joint projects.