Doctoral Student (f_m_x) - Geochemical processes in repository-relevant claystones

GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 80.000 - 100.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research center in geology in Germany is seeking a doctoral researcher to investigate mineralogical properties of clay-rich samples for nuclear waste disposal. Applicants should have a Master's degree in geosciences and a solid background in sedimentology and geochemistry. The position offers a dynamic research environment, flexible working conditions, and various training opportunities. Applications are due by December 17, 2026.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Public service benefits

Extensive training opportunities

Professional career advice

International networking opportunities

Qualifikationen

• Independent planning and conducting of experiments.
• Knowledge in sedimentology, diagenesis, and clay mineralogy.
• Basic understanding of various analytical methods.

Aufgaben

• Determine mineralogy and geochemical composition of samples.
• Collaborate with leading researchers and PhD candidates.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.

Kenntnisse

Sedimentology

Diagenesis

Clay mineralogy

Fluid and rock geochemistry

Analytical techniques (XRD, XRF, ICP-MS)

English communication

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in geosciences or environmental chemistry

Tools

XRD

XRF

SEM

TEM

Stable isotope analysis

K-Ar dating

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung Research Field Geosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Germany Application Deadline 17 Dec 2025 - 22:59 (UTC) Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 3.1 Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry (department “Geochemistry”), we are looking for a: Reference Number 10908

We are looking for a talented doctoral student who will contribute to the critical task of characterising suitable host rocks for a potential final repository in Germany. The candidate will focus on a detailed mineralogical, geochemical, and microstructural investigation to assess the diagenetic signatures within different claystone formations.

This job opportunity is offered within “TRANSFER – Training and Research Academy for Nuclear Safety and Future Expertise on Geological Repository Systems”, which is coordinated by the GFZ. The program is dedicated to cutting-edge research related to the safe and long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste and unites leading expertise from five Helmholtz centres and five universities. It features seminars, summer and winter schools, conference presentations, and research stays at partner institutions. The participants will benefit from an excellent scientific environment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and international networking opportunities.

Your responsibilities:

• Independent planning and conducting of experiments to determine the mineralogy and geochemical composition of clay-rich samples
• Utilising a range of analytical techniques (e.g. XRD, XRF, ICP-MS, microscopy, SEM, TEM, stable isotope analysis and K-Ar dating) to characterise the claystone composition, fabric development, and diagenetic fingerprints in claystones
• Publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals and at conferences
• Working closely with the PhD candidate at the University of Greifswald and the leading researchers
• Collaboration with the Universities and Helmholtz Centres within TRANSFER
• Completed university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in geosciences or environmental chemistry
• Knowledge in sedimentology, diagenesis, clay mineralogy, fluid- and rock geochemistry
• Basic knowledge of various analytical methods (e.g. XRD, XRF, SEM), including sample preparation, data processing and data evaluation
• Some experience in the systematic planning and independent execution of experiments in the laboratory
• Willingness to work in interdisciplinary and international teams
• Very good English skills in spoken and written communication, knowledge of some German would be beneficial

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• 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
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
  

Start date: 1st March 2026
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 17th December 2026 . Requested documents: CV and cover letter Desirable documents: references and certificates/gradesPlease use our online application form only.

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. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. 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. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We, among others, do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures,which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure based on 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. Anja Schleicher via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number [phone].

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.