Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Organic Isotope Geochemistry

Reference Number

11412<\/h3> \n

Project Iso-Orbi: Using high-resolution mass spectrometry for simultaneous multi-element stable isotope analysis of fatty acids in a paleoclimate context<\/p>

The position is part of the Iso-Orbi project, which is funded by GFZ household funds. Stable isotope analysis of individual organic molecules is typically performed by gas chromatographic separation, followed by combustion and mass spectrometry of the resulting gases, where one isotope system is analysed at a time. In this project, the candidate will use high-resolution mass spectrometry to study the compound-specific stable oxygen isotopic composition (d18O) of isolated lipids and to assess the practicality of simultaneously analysing the stable isotope composition of multiple element systems (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen). While a first instrumental method has been established, the candidate will start by refining\/improving the latter in parallel to extensive validation of wet-chemical workup procedures. This is followed by application to lake and marine sediments to evaluate fatty acid d18O patterns across climate transitions and to systematically assess lipid d18O information in the context of vital effects. The project requires a keen interest in both mass spectrometry and paleoclimatology.\u00a0<\/p> \n

Your responsibilities:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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• Method development\/improvement on an Orbitrap MS<\/li>\n
• Workup of rock samples and extensive wet-chemical processing<\/li>\n
• \u00a0Instrumental analysis and evaluation of multi-element isotope signatures of fatty acids in a paleoclimate context<\/li>\n
• Creation of in-house reference standards<\/li>\n
• Processing of data using R and advanced statistical evaluation\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>

  About You:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

  Essential Qualifications:<\/p>\n

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  • A Master\u2019s degree or equivalent in Organic Chemistry\/Analytical Chemistry\/Geochemistry, Geology or Environmental Sciences<\/li>\n
  • Active interest in paleoclimate<\/li>\n
  • Experience with the analysis of organic compounds<\/li>\n
  • Excellent written and spoken English<\/li>\n
  • Ability to work as part of a team and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment<\/li>\n
  • Proactive and independent character<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Desirable Qualifications:<\/p>\n

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    • Experience with Orbitrap mass spectrometry<\/li>\n
    • Experience with stable oxygen isotope analysis<\/li>\n
    • Experience with paleoclimatology<\/li>\n
    • Experience with data handling in R<\/li>\n
    • Category B driving license<\/li>\n<\/ul>

      What we offer:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      \n
      • Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment<\/li>\n
      • State-of-the-art equipment<\/li>\n
      • Public service benefits<\/li>\n
      • Extensive training opportunities<\/li>\n
      • Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre<\/li>\n
      • Flexible working hours and conditions<\/li>\n
      • Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work<\/li>\n
      • Institute day-care centre on site<\/li>\n
      • Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n
      • Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
        <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>Start date:<\/strong> 1st October 2026
        Fixed-term:<\/strong> 36 months
        Salary:<\/strong> The position is classed as salary group 13 according to \u201cTV\u00f6D Bund \u201d. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
        Working hours:<\/strong> Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h\/week)
        Place of work:<\/strong> Potsdam \n\n

        Have we piqued your interest?<\/strong><\/h4>\nIf so, we look forward to receiving your application by 19th August 2026<\/strong>. Please use our online application form only.\n\nRequired documents: <\/strong>\n

        \n
        • CV (including names and contact details of at least two referees)<\/li>\n
        • Letter of motivation<\/li>\n
        • Grades, transcripts and certificates of a master\u2019s degree in a single document \u2013 if not available, a confirmation from the institution on the completed degree by the application deadline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n\n

          Important Technical Note:<\/strong> Currently, email addresses associated with domains such as @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.de may experience occasional delays or restrictions in receiving messages. To ensure smooth communication during the application process, we recommend using an alternative email address and providing an additional contact method (e.g., a phone number).<\/p>\n

          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.<\/p>\n

          \u201cDiversity in perspectives\u201d 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,\u00a0which 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.<\/p>\n\n

          Data protection information for applicants<\/p>\n\nIn case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Dr. Stefanie P\u00f6tz 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.","validThrough":"2026-08-19T23:59:59+02:00","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum f\u00fcr Geoforschung","sameAs":"http:\/\/www.gfz.de","logo":"https:\/\/gfz.concludis.de\/download\/design\/MTU2OTQyMA==\/GFZ_concludis.jpg"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Potsdam","postalCode":"14473","addressCountry":"DE"}},"employmentType":["PART_TIME","TEMPORARY"]}