Chemical Technical Assistance (f_m_x)

Deutsches Helmholtz GeoForschungs-Zentrum

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 3.5 "Interface Geochemistry" (department "Geochemistry"), we are looking for a:

Chemical Technical Assistance (f_m_x)
Reference Number 11257

Our section addresses questions related to inorganic and microbial processes at the Earth's surface.

We are looking for a junior colleague knowledgeable in basic sample preparation and analytical methods for the characterisation of rocks and minerals (e.g., sequential extractions, diffraction sample preparation and analyses) who is willing to learn and implement several new methods.

She:he will join a multidisciplinary, 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:

• Preparation of rock and mineral samples with a focus on geochemical sequential extraction of P, Fe from rocks and mineral samples
• Performance of selected mineralogical analyses (e.g. X-ray diffraction, surface area analysis) as needed
• Preparation of standard test series for various mineralogical analyses
• Processing and documentation of the results of all analytical methods used

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• Completed vocational training as a chemical laboratory assistant or basic training on specialised geochemical and mineralogical sample preparation and analysis methods
• Structured work while adhering to tight timelines
• Good written and spoken English skills are required
• Familiarity with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is a prerequisite

Desirable Qualifications:

• High degree of flexibility, independence and analytical quality standards
• Ability to work in a multinational research team

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
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance is offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace 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: 12 months
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 9a 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

Apply

Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 21st May 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents: Motivation letter, CV

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. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised 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 further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

Apply

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We, among others, do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures, which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Data protection information for applicants

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Liane G. Benning via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

www.gfz.de