PhD position in "Insights into Arctic Ocean Stratigraphy and Paleoceanography from Cosmogenic a[...]

Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in ocean sciences is seeking a highly motivated candidate for a PhD position focused on Arctic Ocean sediment research. This role involves preparing samples, interpreting data, and publishing findings. It requires a strong educational background in geosciences and relevant skills in geochemistry and data analysis. Excellent written and spoken English is essential. The position offers the opportunity to work in an international collaborative project, contributing to significant advancements in climate science.

Leistungen

Health promotion and company fitness

Support services for work-family balance

Opportunities for international collaboration

Qualifikationen

• MSc (or equivalent) in Geosciences or related topics.
• Strong background in geochemistry, paleo-climatology, and/or geochronology.
• Strong skills in data analysis.
• Fluency in English both written and spoken (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1).

Aufgaben

• Prepare and analyze samples from sediment cores from Arctic Ocean.
• Interpret obtained records in context of existing data and models.
• Synthesize results into a stratigraphic framework.
• Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at international conferences.
• Be a member of the i2B consortium.

Kenntnisse

Geochemistry

Paleo-climatology

Data analysis

Ausbildung

MSc in Geosciences or related topics

Tools

Spectrometric methods

Geochemical analyses

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company: Alfred-Wegener-Institut (AWI), Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung. Research Field: Environmental Science. Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1). Country: Germany. Application Deadline: 1 Jan 2026 10:50 UTC. Contract Type: To be defined. Job Status: Other. Not funded by EU Programme. Not a staff position within a research infrastructure.

Offer Description

Area of research: PHD Thesis

Part‑Time Suitability: The position is suitable for part‑time employment.

Job description: PhD position in "Insights into Arctic Ocean Stratigraphy and Paleoceanography from Cosmogenic and Radiogenic Nuclides" (f/d/m).

Background: The Arctic Ocean is currently undergoing drastic changes in response to anthropogenic climate change. Understanding its state during past warm periods is pivotal to aid our ability to project future changes. Arctic Ocean sediments provide such a window into the climate history of the Arctic Ocean, however, uncertainties in their chronologies do not currently allow an unequivocal interpretation of these records.

This project aims to improve the stratigraphy of Arctic Ocean sediments using cosmogenic ¹⁰Be and ²⁶Al, and radiogenic ²³¹Pa and ²³⁰Th isotopes. Combined, these isotopes will provide new insights into the paleoceanographic changes in the Arctic Ocean and their timing. The project will be embedded in the ERC‑Synergy project "i2B". It will be conducted in close collaboration between the Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, and the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsö (UiT), providing a unique opportunity to operate in a multidisciplinary international network.

For this endeavor, we are seeking a highly motivated and skilled team member for a PhD project, who has a keen interest in geochronology, paleoclimatology, and geochemistry.

Your Tasks

• Prepare and analyze samples from new and existing sediment cores from the Arctic Ocean and the Nordic Seas for authigenic 10Be/9Be and 26Al/27Al, as well as U‑series isotopes (231Pa/230Th).
• Interpret the obtained records in the context of existing data and models.
• Synthesize the results into a stratigraphic framework and paleooceanographic interpretation.
• Publish your results in international peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present your research at international conferences.
• Be a member of the i2B consortium.

Your Profile

• MSc (or equivalent) in Geosciences or related topics.
• Strong background in geochemistry, (paleo‑)climatology, and/or geochronology.
• Strong skills in data analysis.
• Fluency in English both written and spoken (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1).

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Relevant laboratory experience (wet‑chemistry, spectrometric methods, column chromatography, geochemical analyses, or similar) is a strong advantage.
• Experience with radiogenic isotopes is an advantage.
• Previous experience in scientific writing will be highly advantageous.

Further Information

• Our scientific success – excellent research.
• Collaboration and cooperation – intra‑institute, national and international, interdisciplinary.
• Opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions.
• An international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world.
• Health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub.
• Support services and a culture of reconciling work and family.

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non‑binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work‑family compatibility in various ways. As a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.

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.