Research Fellow (f_m_x) in Terrestrial, Aqueous Biogeochemical Cycles
The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.
Reference Number 10003
We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic aqueous analytical geochemist / chemist interested in assessing environmental biogeochemical element cycles in terrestrial polar environments. She/he/they will work in a highly interdisciplinary team that evaluates mineral-fluid-microbe interactions in Earth Surface environments.
The successful candidate must have a well-documented aqueous analytical skill-set (i.e., low level nutrient and trace metal analyses using spectroscopic or spectrometric analyses) that they use to quantify changes in biogeochemical element cycles in terrestrial aqueous environments. She/he/they should be willing to further develop these skills, while applying them to geochemical questions related to thawing permafrost soils and glacier-to ocean river transects in polar regions.
She/he/they will join an international and diverse team of researchers led by Liane G. Benning, who is very committed to fostering a fully inclusive research environment. Non-discrimination and equal treatment are integral parts of our group policy.
Your responsibilities:
- Conduct original research on biogeochemical element cycles in terrestrial, polar soils and rivers with a focus on dissolved species
- Develop new analytical approaches for the characterization of low level nutrient and metal concentrations using spectroscopic and spectrometric methods
- Evaluate biogeochemical processes through high-level aqueous analyses combined with geochemical modelling
- Collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds
- Publish in international peer-reviewed journals
- Present research results at scientific meetings
- Development of own research directions is strongly encouraged
- Lead and/or considerably contribute to writing proposals for 3rd party funding
- Help with supervision of MSc and PhD students
Your qualifications:
- MSc and PhD degree in analytical chemistry, aqueous geochemistry, or low temperature environmental geosciences with a specialization in aqueous chemical analyses
- Demonstrated laboratory expertise in analyses of low level nutrient and metal concentrations and speciation using a broad range of state-of-the-art analytical methods (e.g., UV-VIS, IC, ICP-OES/MS etc) is the prime requirement for this post
- Proven experience in all types of aqueous geochemical data evaluation is a must
- Experience in statistical coding is a plus
- Excellent publication and 3rd party funding records
- Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills
- Experience in supervision of MSc/PhD students
- Proficiency in spoken and written English, German is an asset not a must
Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years (with possibility of extension)
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam
What we offer:
- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Have we piqued your interest?
Only online applications containing the following four documents and submitted via the "Apply" button below will be considered:
(a) max 2 page cover letter explicitely detailing how you fit the responsibilities and qualifications
(b) CV and publication list
(c) max 1 page research interest statement
(d) names and contact of at least 2 referees
Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.
Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.
In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Liane G. Benning via email at benning@gfz-potsdam.de. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.