Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) on Terrestrial paleohydrological dynamics of MIS 7 – "CONTINEN...

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 65.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Germany seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to develop a European hydroclimatic reconstruction exploring past warm states. Candidates must have a PhD in (bio)geosciences and excellent English skills. This full-time role in Potsdam offers a dynamic research environment and is ideal for independent researchers interested in paleoclimatology.

Leistungen

Public service benefits

State-of-the-art equipment

Flexible working hours

Professional career advice

Institute day-care centre on site

Qualifikationen

• Master`s degree and a PhD degree in (bio)geosciences.
• Ability to grasp scientific concepts quickly.
• Ability to work independently in a PI group framework.
• Interest in comparative climate records.
• Experience in geochemical analysis is an advantage.

Aufgaben

• Conduct sedimentological and organic geochemical analyses.
• Establish chemical characterisation and varve chronology.
• Analyze terrestrial biomarkers and isotope ratios.
• Understand hydroclimatic processes during MIS 7.
• Publish results and present findings at meetings.

Kenntnisse

Sedimentological analysis

Organic geochemical analysis

Micro-facies analyses

Excellent English communication

Independence and creativity

Ausbildung

PhD in (bio)geosciences

Jobbeschreibung

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Job description:

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 4.6 Geomorphology (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:

Reference Number 10651

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to contribute to the development of the first central European hydroclimatic reconstruction of the penultimate interglacial complex and provide detailed insight on the duration, strength and sensitivity of this past warm state over this region in the DFG-funded project CONTINENTAL.

Periods of prolonged heat and dryness are expected to increase over central Europe due to anthropogenic warming. Past interglacial warm periods of the Quaternary provide unique analogues of environmental conditions during warm climate states without anthropogenic interference.

This project aims to provide a detailed and precisely dated paleoclimatic reconstruction of the MIS 8-7 transition and warm phases MIS 7a, MIS 7c, and MIS 7e of the penultimate interglacial complex using the partly varved paleo-maar sediments of the Neualbenreuth sediment core, recovered by an ICDP project. A combination of paleoclimatology, sedimentology, organic and inorganic geochemistry, will be used with existing palynological analyses, will allow us to examine hydroclimatic shifts and duration of these warm phases over central Europe.

Your responsibilities:

• Perform sedimentological and organic geochemical analyses on partly annually laminated maar lake sediments of the Neualbenreuth drill core covering the Penultimate Interglacial Complex of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7
• Establish chemical characterisation, micro-facies analyses and a varve chronology based on thin section observations
• Extract, purify and analyse terrestrial biomarkers and their radiogenic and stable carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios to trace carbon through the landscape
• Obtain a detailed understanding of expression and natural processes driving the hydroclimate over central Europe during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7
• Publish key results in international journals and present them at scientific meetings

Your qualifications:

• Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD degree (or equivalent) in the (bio)geosciences (geology, physical geography, environmental sciences, geoecology or related fields), with evidence of excellence in guided research
• An ability to quickly grasp scientific concepts and place detailed information and observations in a wider context
• An ability to work independently and develop the project in the framework of the PI group
• A talent for combining techniques and insights from different disciplines, and a keen interest in comparison with existing climate records and paleoclimatic feedback processes
• Experience in micro-facies analyses and (organic) geochemical analysis is an advantage
• Very good English skills, written and spoken
• High motivation and creativity, as well as a result-oriented, structured and independent working attitude
• Willingness and ability to work in a diverse, interdisciplinary and international team
• Excellent communication skills

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
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
  

Start date: 1st November 2025
Fixed-term: 2 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: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam Have we piqued your interest?If so, we look forward to receiving your application (CV and a Letter of motivation) by 15th September 2025. Please 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. Rik Tjallingii or Prof. Dr. Dirk Sachse either 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.