Doctoral Researcher; f_m_x Organic Isotope Geochemistry

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 3.2 Organic and Earth Surface Geochemistry (department “Geochemistry”), we are looking for a:

Reference Number 11412

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

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 paleo climatology.

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

Essential

Qualifications:

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

• Experience with Orbitrap mass spectrometry
• Experience with stable oxygen isotope analysis
• Experience with paleo climatology
• Experience with data handling in R
• Category B driving license

• 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
• Workplace within…