Dear colleagues, The Institute of Geosciences at Ruhr-Universität Bochum seeks a full-time, permanent Research Associate to curate, maintain, and develop its Rock and Mineral Collection—one of Germany’s largest, with ~35,000 samples across minerals, rocks, meteorites, fossils, and ores. The role includes digitalization, research, teaching, and outreach, with a focus on strategic collection development and independent research projects. Key Requirements: * PhD in geosciences or related field * Proven research experience and international publications * Expertise in mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, ore deposits, geochemistry, or crystallography * Experience with scientific collections is a plus * Fluency in English; basic German or willingness to learn * Start: Earliest possible date *You can find more details about the job requirements below.* Please note that the job description in the Ad that was published in our Job Portal was over-edited by our central administration, and therefore you should read the more detailed information below should you consider applying for this position.  Application Deadline: June 1st, 2026 You can find information on how to apply here: https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/67512e9ce40984998cfdc5d338d6ab15af4cdc7d0?ref=homepage For any informal inquiries please contact me via e-mail (raul.fonseca@rub.de) Best wishes, Raúl Fonseca -------------------------------------- Faculty of Geography and Geosciences: Institute of Geosciences The Institute of Geosciences at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum invites applications for a Research Associate (m/f/d) (TV-L E13; 39.83 hours/week = 100%) for our Rock and Mineral Collection, starting at the earliest possible date. The Institute of Geosciences is notable within Germany for offering a wide range of geoscience disciplines in one institute, enabling specialization across multiple Earth-science fields. The Rock and Mineral Collection at the Institute currently comprises about ~35,000 samples, making it one of the largest in Germany. Sub-collections include 1) a collection of minerals, 2) a collection rocks used for teaching, 3) a small set of meteorites, 4) igneous rocks, 5) metamorphic rocks, 6) fossils and sedimentary rocks, and 7) a collection of ore samples. The Rock and Mineral Collection is only partly digitalized and presently not accessible online. Your tasks: * Scientific curation, maintenance, and further development of the Rock and Mineral Collection as a research infrastructure, including the strategic development of the collection and the scientific documentation, digitalization of samples for implementation into our database, and cataloguing of the collection * Development and implementation of independent research projects based on collection materials * Publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals * Active preparation of third-party funded research proposals * Involvement in teaching activities (e.g. laboratory classes, seminars, collection-based courses, field trips) in accordance with university regulations. *  Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students (Bachelor’s and Master’s theses) * Coordination with our outreach officer to expand the visibility of the collection and the geosciences in Bochum Your profile: * University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in geosciences, mineralogy, geology, or a related discipline * Completed PhD in a relevant geoscientific field * Proven research experience and an international publication record * Strong expertise in at least one collection-related research area (i.e., mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, ore deposits, geochemistry, crystallography) * Experience in working with scientific or natural history collections is an asset * Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment * Excellent command of English; good German skills or willingness to acquire them We offer: * A challenging research-oriented position with a high degree of academic independence * Access to a comprehensive and scientifically valuable geological and mineralogical collection * Access to state-of-the art laboratory facilities, including: 1. Microanalytical instruments such as EPMA, SEM and FIB-SEM 2. A range of instruments for geochemical and mineralogical sample characterization (XRF, XRD, NMR) 3.  A brand-new triple quadrupole LA-ICP-MS facility for in-situ trace element and isotope analyses. 4. A range of mass spectrometers (GC-MS, TIMS, MC-ICPMS) used for stable isotope analyses, and more! * An internationally connected academic research environment * Support for third-party funding applications and career development Application: Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, list of publications, research and teaching statements, degree certificates) as a single pdf-file by 01.06.2026 in electronic form via our online application portal. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5637 . For any informal inquiries about the position, please contact Prof. Raúl Fonseca via e-mail (gd-ifg@ruhr-uni-bochum.de)