Wissenschaftliche:r Mitarbeiter:in im Bereich Umweltwissenschaften, BioGeowissenschaften bei Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena

Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

At the Institute of Geosciences / Chair of Applied Geology is at the earliest possible date one position to fill as

Research associate in Environmental Sciences, BioGeosciences

in part-time (50% / 20 weekly hours) limited until 31 October 2025

in the BMBF joint project TRAVARIS “Transfer of long lived radionuclides from the vadose zone into the rhizosphere and their uptake into plants considering microbiological processes”.
The aim of our subproject in a network of institutes operating throughout Germany is the investigation and modeling of the behavior of long-lived radionuclides (RN) in the complex interaction between soil and plant. Special focus is on the investigation of the distribution of radionuclides between dissolved and colloidal phases as well as stationary solid phases in the pedo- and rhizosphere and the transport into plant compartments. Pore waters from small- and mesoscale column experiments will be characterized by hydrogeochemical (IC, ICP-MS/OES, LC-OCD-OND) and colloidal analysis (NTA, EF-AF4, sp-ICP-MS) as well as imaging techniques (AFM, SEM) and the colloidal transport will be transferred into a numerical transport model (Hydrus 2D/3D).

Your responsibilities:

• Performing laboratory-based experimental work on the transport of radionuclides and their homologues in soil systems and, in particular, the rhizosphere.
• Modeling of the transport of deployed tracers and detected colloidal phases in soil systems using Hydrus 2D/3D software package.
• The position gives the opportunity to work on a scientific qualification project: doctorate
• Writing and publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Presenting results at national and international conferences

Your profile:

• M.Sc. degree in geo- or environmental sciences, biogeosciences or similar fields is necessary
• Solid knowledge of aquatic (geo)chemistry, pedochemical and hydrogeological processes are expected
• Experience with numerical transport or speciation codes (e.g. Hydrus 2D/3D, PhreeqC) is an advantage.
• Experience with the treatment and processing of liquid and solid environmental samples for trace analytical methods (ICP-MS) or colloid chemical methods as well as their technical implementation are desirable.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken, are desirable
• Highly motivated and creative individuals willing to work in a team and bring in own ideas
• Driver’s license would be advantageous

We offer:

• Position as researcher in a highly interdisciplinary and communicative research group with access to state-of-the-art laboratory analytics as well as the latest modeling software.
• The opportunity and encouragement to develop and implement your own ideas within the framework of the project
• Work in a project network of universities and research centers as well as networking opportunities at all levels and integration in the Graduate Academy of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• A family-friendly working environment with a wide range of offers for families: university family office (JUniFamilie) and flexible childcare (JUniKinder) as well as university health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
• The opportunity to help shape future-oriented developments in a modern and at the same time traditional comprehensive university
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

The advertised position is limited until 31 October 2025 with a part-time employment of 50% (20 hours per week).

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena aims to increase the proportion of women in underrepresented research fields and we therefore explicitly encourage women to apply.

Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in the event of