GFZ is Germany’s national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth’s system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.
To complement the various research foci in the Interface Geochemistry team, we are looking for a:

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS:

• MSc degree in mineralogy, environmental (geo)chemistry, geosciences, inorganic chemical or material sciences
• Documented hands-on experience in laboratory experimental procedures (e.g., wet lab skills)
• Hands on skills in solid material characterization (e.g., diffraction, imaging or spectroscopy) is an advantage
• Solid background in reaction kinetics, ideally with mineralogical or environmental applications
• Experience in inorganic chemical/mineral synthesis are an asset
• Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English. German is an asset, not a must
• Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills
  Start date: As soon as possible
  Fixed-term: 3 years
  Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 (75%) according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
  Place of work: Potsdam

• Determine the distribution, partitioning and molecular-level bonding characteristics of critical elements (e.g., rare earth elements) within phosphogypsum wastes
• Design and conduct phosphogypsum transformation experiments and follow the solid state and aqueous partitioning of critical elements
• Identify the key parameters that promote or inhibit such transformations, with a focus on reaction kinetics and mineralogical pathways
• Collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds in the Interface Geochemistry team
• Publish in international peer-reviewed journals
• Present research results at scientific meetings