Research Associate (Post Doc) mineral-microbe interface reactions (f_m_x) [english] in Potsdam bei Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ

Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum - GFZ

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for geosphere research. As a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres we are part of the largest scientific organization in Germany. With approximately 1,500 employees our key mission is to secure a profound understanding of the systems and processes of solid Earth, to develop strategies and options for action in addressing global change and its impacts on a regional level, to understand natural hazards and to minimize associated risks, to ensure the sustainable provision of energy and raw materials for a high-tech society and to evaluate the influence of human activity on system Earth.

To complement the Interface Geochemistry team we are looking for a colleague to carry out research with a focus on mineral-microbe interface reactions.

Research Associate (Post Doc) mineral-microbe interface reactions (f_m_x)

Reference Number 8231

We seek a highly motivated biogeochemist / environmental mineralogist who wants to develop her/his/their skills in a highly interdisciplinary work environment in order to obtain a holistic understanding of mineral-microbe-interactions in Earth Surface processes.

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 molecular processes that govern soil mineral-microbe interactions and interface reactions
Develop, test and validate new mineral – microbe interface characterization tools with a focus on three dimensional X-ray and electron micro-spectroscopic approaches
Active development of own research directions, complementing those in the Interface Geochemistry team is strongly encouraged
Publish in international peer-reviewed journals
Present research results at scientific meetings
Co-supervise graduate students and interns
Develop and maintain a professional network
Lead and/or considerably contribute to writing 3rd party funding proposals

Your qualifications:

MSc and PhD degree in (bio)geochemistry, environmental mineralogy with specialization in inorganic - organic /microbial interface processes
Demonstrated knowledge of molecular level reactions governing mineral-microbe interactions in laboratory of natural field settings
Documentable expertise in state-of-the-art tools for the 3D X-ray or electron micro-spectroscopic characterization of mineral-microbe interfaces
Excellent publication and 3rd party funding records
Demonstrated ability in working on multiple projects simultaneously
Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork
Excellent and documented communication skills
Experience in supervision of BSc/MSc students
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

Start date: As soon as possible
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?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by September 12th 2023. Applications are only accepted if submitted through the online form via the APPLY button below and if they contain the following documents:
1. Cover letter detailing your fit to the qualifi