Doctoral position (f/m/d) | Microplastics in the environment: from laboratory analysis to source attribution modeling

Job Offer from April 14, 2026

The Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology (MPI-GEA) was founded in the summer of 2022 and is a dynamically growing, highly interdisciplinary, and international research institution. The research focuses on modeling and analyzing the interrelationships between biophysical and human-made systems, looking from the deep past to the future. The institute examines how humanity has driven the emergence of the Anthropocene – the period in which human activities began significantly impacting our planet’s climate and ecosystems – and identifies potential intervention points towards a more sustainable future.

We are seeking a committed early-career researcher for a doctoral position (f/m/d) in the Department of Integrative Earth System Science. The dissertation project will focus on Microplastics in the environment: from laboratory analysis to source attribution modeling.

The successful candidate will join the International Max Planck Research School for Modelling the Anthropocene (IMPRS ModA), which provides excellent support for professional development in both scientific expertise and transferable skills.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work with leading scientists in geoanthropology and to benefit from state-of-the-art research infrastructure while building a strong scientific profile and professional network.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape their research project, for example, by focusing more strongly on laboratory-based analysis of existing environmental samples (e.g., river samples from Thuringia or snow samples from Antarctica), on inverse or process-based modelling, and the synthesis of observational data with existing literature.

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will or may include:

• Developing original ideas for a multidisciplinary dissertation project (e.g., development of new analytical approaches)
• Conducting laboratory-based analysis of microplastic samples
• Processing datasets for the Great Acceleration Observatory, a data hub for biophysical and socio-economic indicators developed at MPI-GEA
• Potentially participating in fieldwork to collect new samples
• Applying and potentially further developing numerical models for source attribution and transport dynamics
• Collaborating with researchers within the institute and with external partners on microplastics analysis
• Contributing to departmental outputs (e.g., publications, datasets, outreach activities)

Required

• Master’s degree in physics, climate or atmospheric science, chemistry, geosciences, or a related field
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research on anthropogenic impacts within the Earth system
• Experience in data processing and basic programming skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through a Master’s thesis and, if applicable, publications or outreach activities
• Excellent English skills

Advantageous:

• Experience with numerical modelling
• Organizational skills (e.g. for outreach activities)

We offer you a full-time position for three years, starting no later than September 1st, 2026. Remuneration will follow the standard PhD salaries given in the Max Planck Society, which correspond to 65% of EG 13 TvöD (Bund). The position includes 30 days of annual leave. We also offer attractive and family-friendly flextime and options for remote work. Additional benefits include an employer subsidy for a job ticket, access to training opportunities within the Max Planck Society and IMPRS ModA, as well as language and health courses.

The Max Planck Society is committed to the compatibility of family and career and is certified under the "berufundfamilie" audit. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

We are committed to promoting diversity and actively combating prejudice based on gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of identity. The MPI-GEA has received the TOTAL E-QUALITY award in recognition of its commitment to diversity and equality. 

Please submit your application by 10.05.2026 via our application portal . It should include:

• A cover letter
• A CV (maximum 3 pages)
• A short research proposal (maximum 3 pages, excluding references) outlining your ideas for a dissertation topic related to the themes above
• If applicable, a list of up to 10 publications
• A copy of your most recent thesis (bachelor's or master's thesis)
• Relevant certificates

You are also required to ask two referees to submit letters of recommendation, which are also due by 10.05.2026.

Referees should independently submit their letters as a PDF file to the mail address by the same deadline.

career@gea.mpg.de

Contact for more information:

Prof. Dr. Ricarda Winkelmann
Director, Department of Integrative Earth System Science
Email: winkelmann-office@gea.mpg.de