PhD Student (f_m_x) on “The alteration footprint of base metal…

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Job description: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 1,300 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. As a partner in Geo.X, the GFZ has access to an excellent network of other geoscience institutions in Potsdam and Berlin. This largest regional concentration of geoscientific competence in Europe offers first-class cooperation and development opportunities.For Section 3.1 “Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry” (department “Geochemistry”), we are looking for a:
Reference Number 6646
Your responsibilities:

• Conduct original research on the geology, mineralogy, geochemistry of base metal-bearing mudstones and carbonates
• Drill core logging
• Evaluate the sedimentology and mineralogy of the host rock; develop a mineralogical paragenesis, from all stages of diagenesis to hydrothermal mineralization
• Conduct a bulk rock lithogeochemical study on  un-mineralized host rocks
• Analyse sulphides for trace elements (LA-ICP-MS) and S isotopes to constrain trace element associations and sulphur sources pathways
• Report regularly to the collaborators, publish in international peer-reviewed journals and present research results at scientific meetings

Your qualifications:

• Background knowledge in aspects of the following: sedimentary basins, sequence stratigraphy, diagenesis, hydrothermal ore deposits, hydrothermal fluid geochemistry
• Experience in standard petrographic techniques (transmitted and reflected light)
• Familiarity with interpreting different types of geochemical data (bulk rock lithogeochemistry, LA-ICP-MS, stable isotopic data, geochemical data) is advantageous
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team, keep to deadlines and engage in interdisciplinary work
• Demonstrated ability for leadership
• Applicants should hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in a discipline of geosciences
• Candidates are expected to write their thesis in English and knowledge of German is an advantage

Start date: 1st January 2023
Fixed-term: 3 years
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: Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam

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
• 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

Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by  12th December 2022. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. 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. Anyone who has been recognized 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 questions, please contact our representative for the severely disabled at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Joseph Magnall either via email at [email protected] or phone +49 (0)331-288-2853. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-288-28787.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.