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.\u00a0 \n
This job opportunity is offered within \u201cTRANSFER \u2013 Training and Research Academy for Nuclear Safety and Future Expertise on Geological Repository Systems\u201d, 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.\u00a0 \n
Your responsibilities: \n
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1. Independent planning and conducting of experiments to determine the mineralogy and geochemical composition of clay-rich samples \n
2. 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\u00a0 \n
3. Publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals and at conferences \n
4. Working closely with the PhD candidate at the University of Greifswald and the leading researchers \n
5. Collaboration with the Universities and Helmholtz Centres within TRANSFER\u00a0 \n
Your qualifications: \n
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6. Completed university degree (Master\u2019s degree or equivalent) in geosciences or environmental chemistry\u00a0 \n
7. Knowledge in sedimentology, diagenesis, clay mineralogy, fluid- and rock geochemistry \n
8. Basic knowledge of various analytical methods (e.g. XRD, XRF, SEM), including sample preparation, data processing and data evaluation\u00a0 \n
9. Some experience in the systematic planning and independent execution of experiments in the laboratory \n
10. Willingness to work in interdisciplinary and international teams \n
11. Very good English skills in spoken and written communication, knowledge of some German would be beneficial \u00a0 \n
What we offer: \n
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12. Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment \n
13. State-of-the-art equipment \n
14. Public service benefits \n
15. Extensive training opportunities \n
16. Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre \n
17. Flexible working hours and conditions \n
18. Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work \n
19. Institute day-care centre on site \n
20. Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam\u00a0 \n
21. Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus\u00a0
\n Start date: 1st March 2026
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to \u201cTV\u00f6D Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)\u201d. 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 \n\n
Have we piqued your interest? \nIf so, we look forward to receiving your application by 17th December 2026 .\n\nRequested documents: CV and cover letter\nDesirable documents: references and certificates\/grades\n\nPlease use our online application form only.\n \n\n
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. \n
\u201cDiversity in perspectives\u201d 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,\u00a0which 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. \n\n
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. \n\nIn 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 +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.","validThrough":"2025-12-17T23:59:59+01:00","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum f\u00fcr Geoforschung","sameAs":"http:\/\/www.gfz.de","logo":"https:\/\/gfz.concludis.de\/download\/design\/MTU2OTQyMA==\/GFZ_concludis.jpg"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Potsdam","postalCode":"14473","addressCountry":"DE"}},"employmentType":["PART_TIME","TEMPORARY"]}