Lab Manager position in the Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory

The newly established laboratory of the Group of Applied Geochemistry is seeking a motivated person with a technical or scientific background to join our team and share our enthusiasm for experimental environmental geochemistry and interdisciplinary research.

Our group investigates fundamental and applied questions in environmental geochemistry, with a focus on contaminant behavior, groundwater protection, and biogeochemical element cycling. We study the interactions of inorganic contaminants and nutrients with minerals and their role in environmental processes. Combining biogeochemical, mineralogical, and hydrogeochemical approaches with state-of-the-art analytical methods, we aim to advance our understanding of geochemical processes and develop innovative strategies for the sustainable protection of natural resources.

Your tasks

As a laboratory manager, you will play a key role in establishing, developing, and ensuring the smooth operation of the Applied Geochemistry Laboratory. A central analytical instrument in our laboratory is a new LC-ICP-MS, which enables the quantification of elemental species at trace concentrations. The laboratory infrastructure also includes an IC, AAS, UV/VIS, XRD, TOC, SEM, and a Mössbauer spectrometer. Your responsibilities will also include:

• You will oversee laboratory maintenance, procurement, and safety management.
• You will train and support staff and students in using laboratory infrastructure and conducting experiments.
• You will develop technical solutions and optimize analytical methods, particularly for ICP-MS applications, together with doctoral researchers and postdocs.
• You will support research projects through laboratory work, field activities, sampling, and measurements.
• You will assist with field and laboratory practical courses.

Your profile

You enjoy working in an international environment and are excited to take on a wide range of tasks. With a hands-on attitude, you seek out solutions and have a keen sense for efficiently organizing laboratory processes. You are motivated to help shape a new laboratory and tackle both routine and more complex challenges. You also bring:

• At least a bachelor’s or university degree (FH) in environmental sciences, geosciences, chemistry or a related field, or a comparable professional qualification.
• Solid theoretical and practical expertise in water or environmental analysis.
• Openness to and enthusiasm for innovative technologies, with a willingness to learn new topics.
• A good understanding of technical and environmental chemistry.
• A careful, reliable, and precise working style.
• Good knowledge of German and English (at least B2 level in both languages).
• Strong teamwork skills and intercultural competence.

Our offer

You can look forward to an exciting and diverse role within an inspiring team that fosters creativity and values open, respectful communication. Additionally, we offer you:

• The chance to actively shape the development of our laboratory.
• Flexible, family-friendly working hours.
• The opportunity to work independently and on your own responsibility while being part of a team.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.
• Bright and modern office and laboratory spaces in a centrally located, historic building within walking distance of the train station.
• Job ticket, further training and company pension scheme (VBL).

We value diversity and look forward to new perspectives in the team! All applications are welcome – people with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.

Ready to join our team? 

Please submit your application as a single PDF file via the University’s application portal to Prof. Kerstin Hockmann, including the following documents:

• A cover letter describing your motivation for the position and your earliest possible starting date.
• Your CV and an overview of your analytical experience
• Certificates, and relevant qualifications
• Contact information for professional references or reference letter from previous employers

Further information about the Department can be found at https://uni-freiburg.de/unr-geochem/. For further questions, please use the contact details provided below.

The position is unlimited. The salary will be determined in accordance with E11 TV-L.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00005140, by 25. September 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Universität Freiburg Fakultät für Umwelt und Natürliche Ressourcen Prof. Dr. Kerstin Hockmann Angewandte Geochemie Albertstraße 23 b 79104 Freiburg i. Br.

For further information, please contact Prof. Kerstin Hockmann on the phone number +49 761 6464 or E-Mail info@geochem.uni-freiburg.de.