Helmholtz-Zentrum Deutsches Geoforschungszentrum
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The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

For section 3.4 Fluid Systems Modelling we are looking for a:

PhD candidate (f_m_x) - Glass2Melt Silicate glasses

Reference Number 9904

The PhD candidate will be part of the CLEAR group. The project is funded by the European Research Council (“Glass2Melt: Universal Model of the Density of Deep Silicate Melts”).

Within the research group CLEAR we endeavor to understand large scale geological processes that operate deep inside planets. Our approach is to recreate high pressure-temperature conditions in the laboratory and examine various physical properties of geomaterials (minerals, rocks, glasses, and melts) in situ using state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques. We then use these properties in collaboration with geodynamicists to create numerical models of planets.

Research focus will be on measuring the density of iron-bearing silicate glasses in the diamond anvil cell (DAC) using the novel all-optical method. The results will quantify the effect of iron on the density of multicomponent silicate glasses across the pressure range of the Earth's mantle, and contribute to the universal silicate melt density model. The successful candidate will further develop the all­optical method in the DAC, and collaborate with Prof. Dr. Bjoern Winkler (Goethe University Frankfurt), Dr. llya Veksler (GFZ), and Dr. Sergio Speziale (GFZ) on the synthesis of the glass and to gain deep insights into the composition-structure-property relation in the silicate glass system.

Your responsibilities:

  • Synthesis of silicate glasses in the Fe2O3-FeO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-CaO-Na2O-system at 1 atm
  • All-optical measurements of density of Fe-bearing silicate glasses in the DAC
  • Methodological improvements
  • Proactive scientific interaction within the research group and with other groups at the GFZ
  • Report progress regularly at group meetings, domestic, and international conferences
  • Publication of the results in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

  • Master degree or equivalent in Geosciences, Physics, Chemistry, or related disciplines
  • Strong interest in glass/melt-physics and challenging experimental work
  • Basic knowledge of optical, infrared, and Raman spectroscopies 
  • Experience in diamond anvil cell or a related high-pressure technique
  • Experience with bench-top optical setups
  • Basic programming skills would be beneficial
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English 

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: 01.01.2025
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 11th November 2024. Please use our online application form only.

Please, indicate specifically how you fit the required qualifications as well as your motivations for becoming a member of the Glass2Melt team in a Cover Letter submitted with your application. Applications without a clearly identified motivation will not be considered. In addition, provide a list of at least two referencesand their contact details who can evaluate your scientific work.

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 recognised 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 Body for Employees with Disabilities 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. Sergey Lobanov either via email at sergey.lobanov@gfz-potsdam.de or phone +49 (0)331-6264-28607. 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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