The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for geosphere research. As a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres we are part of the largest scientific organization in Germany. With approximately 1,500 employees our key mission is to secure a profound understanding of the systems and processes of solid Earth, to develop strategies and options for action in addressing global change and its impacts on a regional level, to understand natural hazards and to minimize associated risks, to ensure the sustainable provision of energy and raw materials for a high-tech society and to evaluate the influence of human activity on system Earth.
To complement the Interface Geochemistry team we are looking for a colleague to carry out research with a focus on mineral-microbe interface reactions.
We seek a highly motivated biogeochemist / environmental mineralogist who wants to develop her/his/their skills in a highly interdisciplinary work environment in order to obtain a holistic understanding of mineral-microbe-interactions in Earth Surface processes.
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.
- Conduct original research on molecular processes that govern soil mineral-microbe interactions and interface reactions
- Develop, test and validate new mineral – microbe interface characterization tools with a focus on three dimensional X-ray and electron micro-spectroscopic approaches
- Active development of own research directions, complementing those in the Interface Geochemistry team is strongly encouraged
- Publish in international peer-reviewed journals
- Present research results at scientific meetings
- Co-supervise graduate students and interns
- Develop and maintain a professional network
- Lead and/or considerably contribute to writing 3rd party funding proposals
- MSc and PhD degree in (bio)geochemistry, environmental mineralogy with specialization in inorganic - organic /microbial interface processes
- Demonstrated knowledge of molecular level reactions governing mineral-microbe interactions in laboratory of natural field settings
- Documentable expertise in state-of-the-art tools for the 3D X-ray or electron micro-spectroscopic characterization of mineral-microbe interfaces
- Excellent publication and 3rd party funding records
- Demonstrated ability in working on multiple projects simultaneously
- Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork
- Excellent and documented communication skills
- Experience in supervision of BSc/MSc students
- Proficiency in spoken and written English, German is an asset
- 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
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
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by September 12th 2023. Applications are only accepted if submitted through the online form via the APPLY button below and if they contain the following documents:
1. Cover letter detailing your fit to the qualifi