PhD position in "Tracing impurity signals in ice cores across scales with a 3D model approach" [...]

European Commission; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Germany is offering a PhD position focused on modeling ice chemistry to study climate signals. The successful candidate will develop methodologies and conduct measurements using advanced techniques. Ideal for those with a Master's in Geosciences, Chemistry, or Physics, this part-time role demands strong analytical skills and fluency in English. Join a diverse team committed to impactful research and collaboration.

Leistungen

Health promotion programs

International working environment

Support for work-family reconciliation

Qualifikationen

• University-level training in environmental or climate-related topics.
• Demonstrated relevant laboratory experience.
• Strong statistics and data-analysis skills.

Aufgaben

• Method development in modelling 3D impurity distribution in ice.
• Measurements on real and artificial ice samples using LA-ICP-MS.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals.

Kenntnisse

Geosciences

Chemistry

Physics

Data analysis skills

Fluency in English

Ausbildung

MSc (or equivalent) in Geosciences, Chemistry, Physics

Tools

R

Python

Matlab

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung Research Field Environmental science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Germany Application Deadline 10 Sep 2025 - 07:52 (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:

Promotion

Part-Time Suitability:

The position is suitable for part-time employment.

Job description:PhD position in "Tracing impurity signals in ice cores across scales with a 3D model approach" (f/m/d)

Background
Current efforts to recover an ice core reaching back 1.5 Ma (Beyond Epica - Oldest Ice Core) will provide unique insights into the processes affecting the Mid-Pleistocene transition. The chemical impurities in ice offer an important set of paleoclimate proxies and dating tools. However, post-depositional processes are known to affect and ultimately corrupt the original layer signals in deep ice. To succeed with BE-OIC, we must master this challenge.
You will participate in method development for a 3D model of the ice chemistry in ice cores. The goal is to refine an existing model to grow further in physical size and to represent further physical processes like re-crystalization. Information on these post-depositional processes affecting the orginal impurity distribution will come from 2D mapping with LA-ICP-MS. The task of the model is to predict how these processes can lead to signal disturbances across spatial scales, i.e. from micron-scale LA-ICP-MS to cm-scale bulk analysis. For the latter, the primary target is to simulate signals in continuous flow analysis (CFA) and discrete bulk meltwater samples. The final goal is to compare these simulated signals with actual measurements. In this project, we aim to combine high-resolution 2D-elemental maps (obtained with Laser ablation ICP-MS) with conceptual modelling of the ice chemistry in 3D, in order to improve our understanding of how climate signals are preserved in ice cores.
Ultimately, this work will improve our understanding of climate-related impurity signals in deep ice, of direct significance for BE-OIC and the Oldest Ice quest.

Your Tasks

• Method development in modelling the 3D impurity distribution in ice across scales, extending an already existing model for this purpose
• Measurements on real and artificial ice samples using LA-ICP-MS
• Measurements with ICP-MS on liquid bulk samples or with continuous flow analysis
• Publish in peer reviewed journals
• Present at international conferences

Your Profile

• MSc (or equivalent in) Geosciences, Chemistry, Physics or related topics
• University-level training in environmental or climate-related topics, ideally some knowledge on glaciology and ice chemistry
• Demonstrated relevant laboratory experience, ideally some experience in continuous flow analysis or LA-ICP-MS
• Strong statistics and data-analysis skills (R, Python, Matlab or similar)
• Fluency in English, bothwritten andspoken(approximately equivalent toCEFR level C1)
• A keen interest and curiosity in research

Further Information
The AWI is characterized by

The AWI is characterized by

• 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, physical abilities, 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 and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. And 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.