Research Assistant in metamorphic petrology (all genders welcome)
University of Göttingen
The University of Göttingen is an internationally renowned research university. Founded in 1737 in the Age of Enlightenment, the University is committed to the values of social responsibility of science, democracy, tolerance and justice. It offers a comprehensive range of subjects across 13 faculties: in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences and medicine. With about 28,000 students and more than 210 degree programmes, the University is one of the largest in Germany.
At the University of Göttingen, Geoscience Center Göttingen, Department of Mineralogy and Petrology, there is a position as
Research Assistant in metamorphic petrology (all genders welcome)
Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L/75%
to be filled. Starting date is as soon as possible. The position is limited to two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
We invite applications for a research position focused on the mobilisation and transport of rare-earth elements (REE), yttrium (Y), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) during crustal melting processes. The project centres on the in-situ analysis of melt inclusions in monazite and garnet from high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Bohemian Massif. This research is carried out in close collaboration with colleagues from the University of Göttingen as well as partner institutions in Germany and Italy. Key objectives include:
- Investigation of the partitioning behaviour of REE, Th, and U between monazite, garnet, and anatectic melt.
- Analysing the role of volatiles (H₂O, CO₂) and halogens (F, Cl) in Th/U fractionation and monazite stability.
- Correlation of melting events with pressure-temperature-time (P–T–t) evolution.
To achieve these goals, the project integrates cutting-edge analytical and experimental techniques, including electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), Raman spectroscopy, micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-ATR-FTIR), and high-pressure experimental re-homogenization of melt inclusions using a piston-cylinder apparatus (PCA).
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with:
- An excellent Master’s degree in Petrology, Mineralogy, Geochemistry or a related field. Applicants with a PhD are also encouraged to apply.
- Solid background in metamorphic and/or experimental petrology, geochemistry, or trace element analysis.
- Practical experience with relevant (e.g. EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, Raman spectroscopy, PCA).
- Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
- Excellent scientific communication skills, particularly in written and spoken English.
Our offer
- A dynamic and collaborative international research environment with flat hierarchies.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical facilities.
- Support for conference participation, international collaborations, and professional development.
- The position is designed to support further academic qualification and includes the possibility of undertaking a PhD.
Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until May 5, 2025 on the application portal of the university. For more information get in touch with Dominik Sorger directly via E-Mail: dominik.sorger@uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +49 551 39 21685.
The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.
Please note:
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