Postdoc/Scientist (f_m_x) — organic isotope geochemistry

at  Springer Nature

POSTDOC/SCIENTIST (FMX) — ORGANIC ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY

Employer
Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
Location
Potsdam
Closing date
22 May 2024
Discipline
Physics
Job Type
Postdoctoral
Employment - Hours
Full time
Duration
Permanent
Qualification
PhD
Sector
Academia

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JOB DETAILS

Area of research:
Scientific / postdoctoral posts
Job description:
The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,500 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 3.2 “Organic Geochemistry” (department Geochemistry), we are looking for a: Reference Number 9322
Project: Multi-element stable isotope analysis using Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Section 3.2 at GFZ Potsdam focuses on molecular and isotopic organic geochemistry across the full spectrum of the carbon cycle. One particular focus is currently laid on stable isotope analysis of light elements using Orbitrap mass spectrometry (including site-specific isotope analysis (PSIA) and determination of clumped isotopes amongst others) with the goal of establishing new methodologies and adding further dimensions to existing proxies used in e.g.(paleo)environmental reconstructions.
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to fill a postdoctoral position to work on the simultaneous determination of multi-element (C, H, O) stable isotope ratios in a variety of analytes, including oxygenated lipids in biological and geological samples, and urea in biological media, with a strong focus on method development. The successful candidate will perform wet chemical preparation of aqueous, environmental and biological samples followed by analysis using LC-Orbitrap (ESI, APCI and/or APPI) and GC-Orbitrap (EI), and statistical evaluation of results. Understanding of isotope (geo)chemistry and prior experience with either PSIA or Orbitrap mass spectrometry will be highly beneficial. Additional PSIA-focused side-projects proposed by the candidate may be feasible. The position can be filled immediately and runs for up to 24 months until the end of May 2026. Inquiries can be sent to Christian Hallmann.

Your responsibilities:

• Actively coordinate the project (sample acquisition e.g. from collaboration partners, analyses, results, communication thereof, meetings and presentations)
• Wet chemical workup of samples
• Molecular isotope analysis using Orbitrap mass spectrometry
• Evaluation of data using R, Python or alternative
• Interpretation of data in coordination with PI
• Publication of results in the international peer-reviewed literature
• Presentation of results at conferences

Your qualifications:

• Master’s degree and PhD in (Bio)(Geo)Chemistry, or related field
• Academic excellence - evidenced by a strong academic record
• Experience with mass spectrometry
• Ideally, experience with Orbitrap mass spectrometry
• Ideally, experience in using R, Python or an equivalent alternative
• Hands-on, can-do attitude with high respect for deadlines
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills
• Proactive communication of progress and results
• Diligent and well-organized persona with great attention to detail
• Good writing and communication skills in English

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: Up to 24 months until the end of May 2026
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 What we offer:

• 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-Center
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care center 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

Have we piqued your interest?If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 22nd May 2024. Please use our online application form only.
Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognized as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our representative for the severely disabled at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.
Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.
In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Prof. Christian Hallmann either via email at Christian.Hallmann@gfz-potsdam.de or phone +49 (0)331-6264 1733. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.
This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.

• Actively coordinate the project (sample acquisition e.g. from collaboration partners, analyses, results, communication thereof, meetings and presentations)
• Wet chemical workup of samples
• Molecular isotope analysis using Orbitrap mass spectrometry
• Evaluation of data using R, Python or alternative
• Interpretation of data in coordination with PI
• Publication of results in the international peer-reviewed literature
• Presentation of results at conference