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.

PhD Student (f_m_x) on Tracing mineralizing processes in sediment hosted mineral deposits using multiple sulfur isotopes

Reference Number 8580

For Section 3.1 “Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry” (Department “Geochemistry”), we seek a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate mineralizing processes in sediment hosted mineral deposits. This project aims to resolve different pathways of sulfate reduction by producing the first multiple sulfur isotope analyses of major sulfur bearing phases in deposits from world class Zn districts (Mt-Isa-McArthur Basin, Australia; Selwyn Basin, Canada). This project is funded by the DOME Special Priority Programme of the DFG, which is coordinated by the University of Potsdam. The project will be supervised by Dr. Joseph Magnall (GFZ), Prof. Sarah Gleeson (GFZ), and Prof. Harald Strauβ (Uni Münster).

Your responsibilities:

Evaluate the mineralogy and paragenesis of drill-core samples using petrographic techniques (including reflected light microscopy, EMPA, SEM, TEM)
Perform chemical extractions of major sulphur bearing phases (barite, pyrite, sphalerite) at Uni Münster under supervision from Prof. Harald Strauβ
Analyse the multiple sulfur isotope composition (δ34S and Δ33S values) of sulphur bearing phases and interpret different pathways of sulfate reduction
Perform in situ analyses of trace elements (LA-ICP-MS) in sphalerite to constrain trace element associations
Report regularly to the collaborators, publish in international peer-reviewed journals, open access datasets and present research results at scientific meetings and workshops
Actively engage and contribute to the Gleeson research group, Section 3.1, the GFZ and the DOME community

Your qualifications:

Master`s degree or equivalent in a discipline of geosciences
Background knowledge in aspects of the following: sedimentary basins, isotope geochemistry, diagenesis, hydrothermal ore deposits, hydrothermal fluid geochemistry
Experience in standard petrographic techniques (transmitted and reflected light)
Familiarity with interpreting different types of geochemical data (LA-ICP-MS, stable isotopic data, geochemical data) and laboratory experience is advantageous
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team, keep to deadlines and engage in interdisciplinary work
Candidates are expected to write their thesis in English and knowledge of German is an advantage

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
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: 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

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 17^th December 2023. Please use our online application form only.

Apply

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 magnall@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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