Opportunities

As I’m newly establishing the Earth and Planetary Geodynamics (EPG) research group at the University of Freiburg, Germany, PhD and Postdoc positions will become available in mid-2026. If you are interested in these upcoming opportunities, please get in touch and keep an eye on this page for updates. I 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 my expectations for prospective group members, as well as what you can expect from me as a supervisor and mentor: 

Expectation Document

The newly established Earth and Planetary Geodynamics (EPG) research group uses innovative modelling approaches integrated with Earth and planetary observations and experiments to study the evolution of planets and moons. Our work focuses on the interaction between planetary interiors and atmospheres, and, ultimately, on the conditions that govern (in)habitability. The research group explores research topics including, but not limited to:

  • Earth and planetary surfaces
  • (Plate) tectonics 
  • Interior and atmospheric evolution
  • Volcanism and outgassing
  • Earth observations and planetary mission data
  • Physical properties of Earth and planetary materials
  • Earth’s past and present 
  • Rocky/icy world evolution

Forthcoming/open positions

EPSS@UFR: Earth and Planetary System Sciences @ University of Freiburg

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. My 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:

  • Postdoc positionInterior-climate evolution

This position will be announced for an initial duration of two years, with the possibility of extension beyond the two years. The anticipated starting date is spring/summer 2026. It includes a generous research and travel budget. Further details will be available soon.

  • PhD positionVenus vs. early Earth

This position will be fully funded for three years, including a generous research and travel budget. The anticipated starting date is summer/fall 2026. More information will follow shortly.

Other opportunities

Please contact me if you would like to jointly apply for PhD/postdoctoral fellowship funding (see relevant schemes listed below).

Relevant funding schemes

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.

PhD positions

DAAD Graduate Scholarships and Research Grants
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers full PhD scholarships for international students, as well as shorter research stays for fieldwork or thesis-related projects. Funding includes a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance.
https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/

DFG-funded PhD positions (Germany)
The German Research Foundation (DFG) funds research projects and structured graduate programs that host PhD researchers. Individual applicants cannot apply directly to the DFG, but candidates are welcome to discuss project ideas that could form the basis of future DFG proposals.
https://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/

State Graduate Scholarships (Landesgraduiertenförderung Baden-Württemberg)
The state of Baden-Württemberg supports excellent doctoral candidates enrolled at its universities. Fellowships typically cover three years of funding and include a monthly stipend plus potential extensions for family or research needs.
https://www.uni-freiburg.de/university/doctoral-studies/landesgraduiertenfoerderung

EPG’s own PhD Positions
Occasionally, fully funded PhD positions are advertised through projects in our group externally funded through a grant. 

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. 

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.
https://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/programmes/individual/walter_benjamin

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 research expenses for 6–24 months.
https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/humboldt-research-fellowship

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.
https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships

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.
https://www.snf.ch/en/iP4a8HQlZ05l8qeG/funding/postdoc-mobility

Other national “postdoc abroad” programs
Just like the Swiss National Science Foundation, 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.
https://www.nwo.nl/en/rubicon

EPG’s own Postdoc Positions
Occasionally, fully funded postdoc positions are advertised through projects in our group externally funded through a grant. 

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.
DAAD Research Stays for Academics and Scientists
DFG Mobility Funding