Biogenic weathering: opening the black box with new isotope systems

To use inorganic isotope systems to explore whether roots and soil microbes, in particular mycorrhizal fungi, convert rock into soil deep in the weathering zone to maintain a healthy nutrient level of the ecosystems. We will use the ecolological gradient in the Chilean coastal cordillera to derive the dependence of weathering intensity on plant growth.

You will conduct field work in Chile and employ innovative isotope geochemical systems (metal stable isotopes, radiogenic isotopes, cosmogenic nuclides) in extracted soil profile compartments, water, and the prevalent vegetation to identify whether and from what depth roots and associated fungi take up mineral nutrients. PI: Prof. Friedhelm von Blanckenburg (GFZ section 3.4), co-PI: Dr. Jens Boy and Prof. Georg Guggenberger (Soil Sciences Hannover University)

Weitere Informationen

Unternehmen

Helmholtz Gemeinschaft

Bereich/Abteilung

Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

Abschlussart

Dissertation

Ansprechpartner/in

If you have any questions regarding this job offer, please feel free to call Ms Kirsch at +49 (0) 331-288-28878.

Branche

Forschung und Entwicklung

Anforderungen

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Geo- or related sciences with a clear geochemical focus
• experience in dedicated isotope geochemical analyses, preferentially by ICP-MS
• interest in weathering and soil systems
• Interested in bio-geo-interactions, field work, research in an interdisciplinary environment and be independent in developing of experimental approaches.
• Furthermore fluency in English (additionally Spanish could be an advantage), excellent team working and communication skills are expected.

Zusatzinformationen

Starting date Friday, 01. January 2016
Fixed term 1+2 years
Salary EG 13 TVÖD-Bund (Ost)
Working hours part-time (75%, currently 29,25 h/week)
Location Potsdam

Vacancy No. 70/34/15 D

The EarthShape project (www.earthshape.net) will explore how biologic processes form soil, influence topography, and thereby shape the Earth surface. You will work in a consortium of 13 interdisciplinary projects comprising 17 new PhD students encompassing the fields Geology, Ecology, Soil Sciences, Geography, Microbiology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry. EarthShape research will be conducted at four study sites within in the Chilean Coastal Range that features one of Earth’s most spectacular vegetation gradients and is controlled by climate ranging from hyper-arid to humid temperate. It is a natural laboratory to study how biology and topography interact. You will be trained in interdisciplinary methods and conduct joint field work and events.

You can expect a very diverse and challenging job in an international work environment that is characterized by exciting research projects. The compatibility of work and family life is of particular concern to the GFZ. Therefore, it offers the opportunity for flexible working time and workplaces. Moreover, there is a kindergarten located on the research campus.

The GFZ is a partner with Geo.X (www.geo-x.net), and as such it is well connected with other geoscience institutions in Potsdam und Berlin. Geo.X forms the largest regional cluster of geoscientific expertise in Europe and offers excellent opportunities for cooperation and development.

Please submit your applicatio by 15 October 2015 quoting the reference no.s given above via email to applications@gfz-potsdam.de. Please combine your application documents into a single PDF file with a size of up to 3 megabytes. Please include the EarthShape application form www.earthshape.net (see “positions”), a CV, university and secondary school certificates and the names of 2-3 potential referees.

Equal opportunity is an inherent part of our personnel policy. Therefore we are particularly welcoming applications from qualified women. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential treatment in the case of equal qualification.

We will retain your application documents for at least three months, even if the application is not successful. They will not be returned.