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.

We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic aqueous analytical geochemist / chemist interested in assessing environmental biogeochemical element cycles in terrestrial polar environments. She/he/they will work in a highly interdisciplinary team that evaluates mineral-fluid-microbe interactions in Earth Surface environments. 

The successful candidate must have a well-documented aqueous analytical skill-set (i.e., low level nutrient and trace metal analyses using spectroscopic or spectrometric analyses) that they use to quantify changes in biogeochemical element cycles in terrestrial aqueous environments. She/he/they should be willing to further develop these skills, while applying them to geochemical questions related to thawing permafrost soils and glacier-to ocean river transects in polar regions. 

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. 

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct original research on biogeochemical element cycles in terrestrial, polar soils and rivers with a focus on dissolved species
• Develop new analytical approaches for the characterization of low level nutrient and metal concentrations using spectroscopic and spectrometric methods
• Evaluate biogeochemical processes through high-level aqueous analyses combined with geochemical modelling
• Collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds
• Publish in international peer-reviewed journals
• Present research results at scientific meetings
• Development of own research directions is strongly encouraged
• Lead and/or considerably contribute to writing proposals for 3rd party funding
• Help with supervision of MSc and PhD students

Your qualifications:

• MSc and PhD degree in analytical chemistry, aqueous geochemistry, or low temperature environmental geosciences with a specialization in aqueous chemical analyses
• Demonstrated laboratory expertise in analyses of low level nutrient and metal concentrations and speciation using a broad range of state-of-the-art analytical methods (e.g., UV-VIS, IC, ICP-OES/MS etc) is the prime requirement for this post
• Proven experience in all types of aqueous geochemical data evaluation is a must
• Experience in statistical coding is a plus
• Excellent publication and 3rd party funding records
• Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Experience in supervision of MSc/PhD students
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, German is an asset not a must