Overview
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:
Head of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry User Facility (f_m_x), Potsdam, Germany
Reference Number 11027
Position and responsibilities
The Potsdam SIMS laboratory operates a Cameca 1280-HR large geometry ion microprobe, which functions as an open user facility supporting the research needs of scientists from around the world. Due to the pending retirement of the current head of this laboratory, we are seeking a senior scientist to assume this role, leading our facility into the future. He/she will coordinate the day-to-day operations of this laboratory and help develop long-term plans for the facility.
Responsibilities
* Management of the SIMS laboratory in project planning, coordination of work, allocation of measurement times, data evaluation, and publication in scientific literature
* Advising both GFZ internal and external scientist on the optimal strategies for applying in situ geochemical microanalysis to their research tasks and evaluating laboratory access proposals
* Financial planning for the laboratory, including cooperation with the finance department in preparing invoices for users and applying for external funding for upgrading SIMS equipment and the laboratory, also with regard to the SIMS component within the framework of the GFZ's large infrastructure
* Research and development of novel uses for SIMS technology and better strategies for SIMS-based microanalysis
* Reports on the utilisation of the SIMS laboratory to internal GFZ committees
* Production of reference materials of high metrological quality
* A Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in the natural sciences, and at least 5 years of professional experience in working with SIMS instruments, particularly in the areas of project planning, data acquisition, data processing, and supporting users in interpreting and publishing their research results
* Knowledge of ion optics and the maintenance and troubleshooting of large geometry SIMS instruments
* Profound knowledge in mineralogy and crystallography
* Previous involvement and proven knowledge in practical works, including rock processing, mineral separation, and sample preparation for reliable SIMS measurements right from the start
* Eagerness to contribute to international working groups, e.g. devoted to improving geochemical metrology
* Interest in a diverse spectrum of microanalytical applications ranging from petrology, geochronology, climatology, ecology, deep mantle cycling, and ingenious, and metamorphic studies
* Strong communication and excellent social skills
* Fluency in the English language and basic knowledge of the German language
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, terms and conditions
Start date: 1st November 2026
Fixed-term: 2 years (with possibility of extension and permanent position)
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 14 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
Application
Apply. Have we piqued your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 22nd February 2026. Please use our online application form only.
Required documents:
CV and letter of motivation (including references)
Publication list
Research interest statement
Certificates/grades
List of third-party funded projects
Approved certification of English language skills
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 on the basis of 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 Prof. Dr. Judith Schicks 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.
www.gfz.de
Head of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry User Facility fmx Potsdam Germany Inklusiver Job x1F9BC x1F9BB x1F9AF • Potsdam, Brandenburg, DE
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