Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ 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/

For the Interface Geochemistry team of the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences 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 led by Liane G. Benning.

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.

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, Germany

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 12th December 2024.

Only online applications containing the following four documents and submitted via the Apply button will be considered:
( a ) max 2 page cover letter explicitly 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

The full job advertisement can be found at https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/career/job-offers/details/10003 .