Data, Equipment, and Laboratory Engineer (f_m_x)

at  HelmholtzZentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ

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.
For section 4.6 Geomorphology (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:
Data, Equipment, and Laboratory Engineer (fmx)

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS:

• Technical degree in engineering, geosciences, geography, or a comparable field
• Expertise and working knowledge of geoscientific field, laboratory work & IT skills
• Strong written & spoken English and German (B2 equivalent)
• Strong organizational & problem-solving skills
• Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary & international research environment
• Willingness to obtain training in the use of new technology
• 3 years programming experience with Python and/or R, in particular with data science libraries & web frameworks (preferably Django)
• Knowledge of fundamental DevOps practices: usage of Linux, Windows and MacOS. user management, network storage, version control (gitlab)
• Web management (e.g., Typo3)
• Process management software (BPMN)
• Experience with the organization of expeditions (e.g., preparation, safety, equipment)
• Experience with surveying & monitoring equipment (e.g. open category drones operation (A1/A3), dGPS, laser scanners, current profilers, seismometers
• Minimum 3 years experience of working in laboratories & workshops
• Handling of dangerous substances (HF, DCM)
• Drivers license category B

Of advantage are:

• Experience with cosmogenic nuclide sample preparation
• 1st aid training
• Experience with seismic instrument
• Experience with grain-size analysis (Horiba LA950, Camsizer XT)
• Manual & technical skills (e.g., welding, wood craft)

Start date: 1st October 2024
Fixed-term: 2 years with the option of a permanent contract (permanent employment from the start when applying from a currently permanent position; respectively in cases where a time-limited contract is not possible due to the regulatory requirements re. TzBfG/WissZeitVG)
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 11 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: Vollzeit (derzeit 39 h/Woche); Die Stelle ist grundsätzlich teilzeitgeeignet.
Place of work: Potsdam

1) the organization and execution of geological sample and data acquisition compatible with data management and analytical protocols
2) the optimization of geodata and sample acquisition processes according to technical findings from management and analytical protocols
3) the design and implementation of user-friendly digital management and analytical systems for diverse geoscientific data, samples and equipment.

Specific tasks will include:

• Design and implementation of workflows for geosamples and data
• Creation and maintenance of a database for geodata, samples and equipment
• Data wrangling & processing
• Maintenance of web resources
• Assistance in the preparation of data publications
• Assistance in preparation & execution of fieldwork
• Selection, acquisition & implementation of equipment
• Support for cosmogenic radionuclides analysis
• Coordination of granulometric measurements
• Training of users in sample & data preparation and archiving
• Supporting laboratory upgrades