Student assistant (Micropalaeontology) Earth Surface Geochemistry (f_m_x)
Reference Number 8553
The silicate weathering feedback – by drawing down atmospheric CO2 during the weathering of the Earth surface – is what stabilizes Earth’s climate on geological timescales, helping to moderate the effect of volcanic CO2 emissions. However, there have been recent findings from the Eocene geological record that indicate that transient changes in the weatherability of the Earth surface can lead to rises in atmospheric CO2, and prompt global warming events. Such dynamic silicate weathering would make the process not only a feedback, but a forcing on Earth’s climate on geological timescales. Understanding this time period, therefore, is critical to understanding how our planet’s climate is regulated. To investigate this question, a project in Section 3.3 of the GFZ will be using Li and Si isotopes in foraminifera and siliceous microfossils respectively to trace the dynamics of the silicate weathering feedback at this time.
Your responsibilities:
- Picking marine microfossils from IODP ocean drilling core material
The student assistant would work as part of a DFG-funded project looking at changes in the Earth’s silicate weathering feedback in the mid-late Eocene. She /He will be trained in vital micropalaeontological skills including planktic foraminiferal and radiolarian taxonomy.
Your qualifications:
- Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's programme
To assist in this project, we are looking for a motivated, reliable and inquisitive student assistant to join our team.
What we offer:
- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- 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
Fixed-term: 6 months, with the option to extend (this requires a valid enrollment certificate)
Salary: According to the rules of the TdL (tariff area East) for student assistants currently € 12.00 (without a bachelor's degree) and € 12.72 (with a bachelor's degree)
Working hours: 10 h /week (approx. 40 h/month)
Place of work: Potsdam
Have we piqued your interest?
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.
