Professorship in Applied Geophysics (W2) (f/m/d)

The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Germany. With its six Faculties covering a broad spectrum of disciplines and its internationally outstanding research profile areas, it enjoys an excellent reputation for its academic achievements and high standards of undergraduate and graduate education. The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences comprises six departments with about 200 professors and 10,000 students and is one of the largest faculties in the country. 

YOUR TASKS

The successful candidate (f/m/d) is expected to contribute to research, teaching and academic administration in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, in particular at the Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology within the Department of Geosciences. Research should lie within the area of Applied Geophysics and should advance the understanding of subsurface properties and the interior of the Earth, possibly also of other planetary bodies, based on measurements of electromagnetic fields. It is expected that research will include the development of new observational methods or new data analysis techniques. A connection to the Key Profile Area „Intelligent Methods for Earth System Science“ of the University of Cologne is desired as well as participation in large geophysical research programs and multi-institutional observational campaigns.

Teaching in the Bachelor program „Erd- und Klimaphysik“ and the Master program “Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere“ of the Insti- tute of Geophysics and Meteorology is required, where the latter program is organized in collaboration with the University of Bonn. Full competence and willingness to teach within all areas of geophysics, in particular within Applied Geophysics, is expected. 

YOUR PROFILE

We are seeking an outstanding academic with demonstrated international experience in the area of Applied Geophysics with focus on electromagnetic fields as a means to explore the subsurface and the interior of the Earth and possibly other planetary bodies. Research should be conducted by application of electric and electromagnetic methods, through the development of new observational methods or of advanced data analysis techniques. A strong background in the physical and mathematical basics of the underlying processes is expected. The successful candidate is interested in interdisciplinary research, has already worked in collaborative research projects, contributes to excellent teaching, and is interested to participate in interdisciplinary teaching. 

OUR OFFER

The Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology has an extensive pool of equipment for electrical and electromagnetic methods in Applied Geophysics available for research and teaching (https://geomet.uni-koeln.de/forschung/instrumente-geophysik). The University of Cologne provides a stimulating interdisciplinary academic environment. 

Especially the Center of Earth System Observation and Computational Analysis (CESOC), the Geoverbund ABC/J, the expanding computer science division and neighboring study programs such as the Master program Computational Sciences, other study programs of the Department of Geosciences and the International Master of Environmental Sciences (IMES) offer many exciting possibilities for cooperation and engagements. 

The university additionally offers a wide range of career development opportunities as well as support services for dual career couples and family-friendly working conditions. 

The position will be available starting October 1, 2025. Formal requirements are detailed in Section 36 of the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Hochschulgesetz – HG NRW). As a rule, the teaching load comprises nine semester hours per week (i.e., two hours per week is one 90-minute course per semester).

The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women are especially encouraged to apply and will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungs- gesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from people with disabilities /special needs or of equal status.

Please submit your application via the University of Cologne’s Academic Job Portal (https://professorships.uni-koeln.de) by June 21, 2024. Your application should be addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Applications should include a letter of motivation with teaching and research statements accompanied by supporting documents (CV, complete publication list highlighting the 5 most important publications, teaching evaluations if available, information on external funding, academic achievements and honors).

For questions contact Professor Joachim Saur (saur@geo.uni-koeln.de), Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Germany.