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 MiningImpact 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).

Your Responsibilities:

• 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

Your Qualifications:

• 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

What you can expect at Constructor University:

We are an international, world-class private university embarking on an exciting journey of growth and expanding our portfolio. Join us and become a part of our global teams!

Constructor University consistently achieves top results in national and international university rankings.

In the CHE Ranking, the most comprehensive and detailed ranking of the German-speaking higher education landscape, Constructor University has achieved top placements every year since its first participation in 2005.

• 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 University unequivocally guarantees the academic freedom of every member of the faculty, as well as every other member of the Constructor University community. We encourage diversity in the University in ethnic, cultural, social, religious, political, and national backgrounds, as well as in individual lifestyle. Constructor University offers full equality of opportunity to all qualified applicants and is an equal opportunity employer.

Your Application:

For any further information regarding this position, please contact Prof. Andrea Koschinsky, via Mail ([email protected]).

Apply today - it's simple and uncomplicated. We look forward to getting to know you.

A complete application includes the following materials:

(1) a cover letter,

(2) a curriculum vitae,

(3) copies of certificates and diplomas,

(4) two recommendation letters (optional)

The review of applications will begin immediately.

Please note that only applications submitted through the official application portal will be considered for recognition.