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.
PostDoctoral position in electron microscopy of mineral-microbe interfaces (f_m_x)
Reference Number 9590
The research focus of the selected candidate will be on the use of scanning electron microscopy to image/analyse mineral-microbe interfaces in samples from aquatic biofilms and/or soils. The selected candidate will also become a member of the Potsdam Imaging and Spectral Analysis (PISA) Facility and contribute to projects within the Horizon Europe infrastructure program EXCITE2.
She/he/they will employ a series of electron micro-spectroscopic characterisation tools to derive fundamental knowledge about complex mineral/microbe interfaces in Earth materials working on projects that span across biogeochemistry, geobiology, environmental mineralogy or geochemistry.
Developing own research directions is strongly encouraged. The final research focus will depend on the candidate's interests/skills. The expectation is that the work will lead to publications, while allowing for her/his/their career development, co-supervision of postgraduate students and the development of 3rd party funded proposals.
Your responsibilities:
- Develop and apply scanning electron microscopy sample preparation and analyses methods to study interfaces in geo(bio)materials with the aim to solve biogeochemical Earth Surface processes
- Research focus on reactions and interactions between minerals and microbes in aquatic biofilms and/or soil matrixes
- Correlate scanning electron microscopic results with other analytical data sets acquired with analytical tools at the disposition of the Interface Geochemistry section or partners
- Publish in international peer-reviewed journals
- Present research results at national and international meetings
- Lead and/or contribute to writing 3rd party funding proposals
- Help co-supervise students
Your qualifications:
- Master`s and PhD degree in biogeochemistry, environmental mineralogy or equivalent with a demonstrated strong focus on and experience in electron microscopic characterization
- Documented skills in imaging/analyses of complex Earth material interfaces
- Knowledge of and experience with sample preparation for inorganic/geobiological materials
- Proven track record of achievements (talks, publications)
- Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills
- Proficiency in spoken and written English, German is an asset
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-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
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
Have we piqued your interest?
Please prepare an application that contains the following:
(a) max 2 page cover letter detailing how you fit the responsibilities and qualifications
(b) CV and publication list
(d) max 2 page research interest statement
(e) names and contact of at least 2 referees.
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 30th September 2024 using the "Apply" button. Only online applications are accepted.
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 Body for Employees with Disabilities 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.
