Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - German Research Centre for Geosciences

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.

Homepage: https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/

Applications are invited for a postdoc to join the Interface Geochemistry section.

PostDoctoral position in electron microscopy of mineral-microbe interfaces (f_m_x)

The research focus of the selected candidate will be on the use of scanning electron microscopy to image/analyse mineral-microbe interfaces in samples from aquatic biofilms and/or soils. The selected candidate will also become a member of the Potsdam Imaging and Spectral Analysis (PISA) Facility and contribute to projects within the Horizon Europe infrastructure program EXCITE2.

She/he/they will employ a series of electron micro-spectroscopic characterisation tools to derive fundamental knowledge about complex mineral/microbe interfaces in Earth materials working on projects that span across biogeochemistry, geobiology, environmental mineralogy or geochemistry.

Developing own research directions is strongly encouraged. The final research focus will depend on the candidate’s interests/skills. The expectation is that the work will lead to publications, while allowing for her/his/their career development, co-supervision of postgraduate students and the development of 3rd party funded proposals.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop and apply scanning electron microscopy sample preparation and analyses methods to study interfaces in geo(bio)materials with the aim to solve biogeochemical Earth Surface processes
• Research focus on reactions and interactions between minerals and microbes in aquatic biofilms and/or soil matrixes
• Correlate scanning electron microscopic results with other analytical data sets acquired with analytical tools at the disposition of the Interface Geochemistry section or partners
• Publish in international peer-reviewed journals
• Present research results at national and international meetings
• Lead and/or contribute to writing 3rd party funding proposals
• Help co-supervise students

Your qualifications:

• Master`s and PhD degree in biogeochemistry, environmental mineralogy or equivalent with a demonstrated strong focus on and experience in electron microscopic characterization
• Documented skills in imaging/analyses of complex Earth material interfaces
• Knowledge of and experience with sample preparation for inorganic/geobiological materials
• Proven track record of achievements (talks, publications)
• Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, German is an asset

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

Please prepare an application that contains the following:

(a) max 2 page cover letter detailing how you fit the responsibilities and qualifications

(b) CV and publication list

(d) max 2 page research interest statement

(e) names and contact of at least 2 referees.

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 30th September 2024 via https://gfz-potsdam.concludis.de/candidate/formapply?prj=9590&b=12&oid=&quelle=0&ie=1&gpid=580P9590&lang=en_GB . Only online applications are accepted.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Liane G. Benning via email (benning@gfz-potsdam.de).

The full job advertisement can be found at https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/career/job-offers/details/9590 .