Postdoctoral Fellow in Geology

About Ghent University

The Ghent University is a large, research-intensive university employing more than 15,000 staff members. It is active in education, research, administration, and technical and social service provision.

With 11 faculties and more than 85 departments, it offers state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research across a wide range of academic fields.

Research Group Environment

The host lab at the Department of Geology focuses on reconstructing environmental conditions and the evolution of life from the ancient Palaeozoic to the present Anthropocene.

The group includes:

• PhD students
• MSc students
• Postdoctoral researchers

Research spans:

• (Micro)palaeontology
• Palaeoclimate
• Palaeoenvironment

This provides a highly collaborative and international research environment.

Project Title

North Atlantic Current Dynamics in Past Warm Climates

Project Overview

This PhD project investigates the dynamics of the North Atlantic surface currents in past warm climates and addresses one of the key challenges in oceanography: the stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

The AMOC is a potential tipping point in the climate system, but the behavior of surface currents under warmer-than-present conditions remains poorly understood.

Research Objectives

You will develop and apply new tools to reconstruct ocean surface currents in warm geological periods (Miocene–Eocene).

Key research tasks include:

• Reconstructing ocean surface current position using marine sediment records
• Extracting and analysing marine dinocysts (organic microfossils)
• Studying species composition and biogeography of dinoflagellate cysts
• Reconstructing current strength using:Integrating results with climate model simulations
  • Lipid biomarker sea surface temperature proxies
  • (Time-permitting) isotope geochemistry of dinoflagellate cysts
• Developing mechanistic understanding of past ocean circulation

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate:

• Holds (or is close to obtaining) a Master’s degree in:Has strong motivation for paleoclimate and paleoenvironment research
  • Earth Sciences (preferred)
  • Or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills
• Has strong laboratory and analytical skills
• Experience with:Has interest in teaching and mentoring (MSc/BSc level)
  • Microfossils
  • Geochemical methods
  • Marine sediment analysis
  is considered an advantage

Training and Development

You will receive training in:

• Optical microscopy
• Organic geochemical analysis
• Inorganic geochemical analysis
• Data integration from multiple scientific sources
• Paleoclimate interpretation techniques

You will also gain:

• Experience in scientific teaching and mentoring
• Presentation skills at international conferences
• Opportunities to build an international research network

Contract and Funding

• Full-time doctoral fellowship
• Initial contract: 12 months
• Extension: up to a total of 48 months (based on positive evaluation)
• Start date: Summer or early autumn 2026

Funding Conditions

The fellowship corresponds to the net salary of an AAP member, adjusted based on:

• Family situation
• Seniority

The fellowship is typically exempt from personal income tax under Belgian doctoral fellowship regulations.

Benefits

Staff members at the Ghent University receive:

• 36 days of annual leave (full-time equivalent)
• Annual bridge days
• Bicycle allowance
• Eco vouchers
• Extensive training and development opportunities

Application Procedure

Submit applications by 9 June 2026 to:

joost.frieling@ugent.be

Required documents:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
3. Copy of MSc diploma (if available)
4. Contact details of 2 referees (no letters required at this stage)