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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 1,500 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.
For section 3.5 Interface Geochemistry (department of Geochemistry), we are looking for a:

Technical Laboratory Assistant (SEM) (f_m_x)

Reference Number 6912

We are looking for a Technical Assistant who already has basic training / experience in electron microscopic imaging and analyses. She/he/ they will become an integral member of the Potsdam Imaging and Spectral Analysis (PISA) Facility team. The selected candidate has to be interested in- and willing to learn and work with the PISA team to also implement new state-of-the-art techniques for imaging and analyses of various geo(bio)materials.

 
She/he/they 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:

  • Sample preparation for imaging using various approaches (coating, dispersion etc.) 
  • Imaging and elemental analyses of various samples provided by various users of the PISA facility using scanning electron microscopy
  • Basic data evaluation including image stitching, elemental map plotting and statistics related to grain / particle number and sizes
  • Evaluation, processing and documenting all results following agreed protocols
  • Participate in and help further develop novel specimen preparation methods for cryo-sample handling and analyses using scanning electron microscopy
  • Interface with users and help with their analyses

Your qualifications:

  • Completed training as a chemical technical assistant (equivalent to German CTA) or comparable training
  • Basic knowledge of and experience with imaging and analyses with electron microscopic instruments is a minimum requirement
  • Ability to carrying out structured work while adhering to tight timelines
  • Willingness to be trained in and learn, respectivley develop new approaches in sample preparation, sample handling and sample imaging /analyses using electron microsocpy
  • Good written and spoken English skills
  • Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) and excellent statistical knowlege for data evaluation
  • Demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, independence and analytical quality standards
  • Willingness to work in a multinational and multidisciplinary 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 offered by benefit@work
  • Institute day-care centre on site
  • 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

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years (with possibility of extension)
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

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, please submit a CV and a cover letter stating how you fit the above described qualifications. electronically by  21st June 2023.
Only online application will be considered.

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 Liane G. Benning via email at benning@gfz-potsdam.de. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

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