Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschunggfz.de
Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Organic Isotope Geochemistry
- Location
- Potsdam
- Remote
- On-site
- Employment type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Experience
- Junior
- Field
- Research & Science
- Application deadline
- Sep 2, 2026
Today
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 in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.
For section Organic and Earth Surface Geochemistry (department Geochemistry), we are looking for a:
Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Organic Isotope Geochemistry
Reference Number 11412
Project Iso-Orbi: Using high-resolution mass spectrometry for simultaneous multi-element stable isotope analysis of fatty acids in a paleoclimate context
The position is part of the Iso-Orbi project, which is funded by GFZ household funds. Stable isotope analysis of individual organic molecules is typically performed by gas chromatographic separation, followed by combustion and mass spectrometry of the resulting gases, where one isotope system is analysed at a time. In this project, the candidate will use high-resolution mass spectrometry to study the compound-specific stable oxygen isotopic composition (d18O) of isolated lipids and to assess the practicality of simultaneously analysing the stable isotope composition of multiple element systems (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen). While a first instrumental method has been established, the candidate will start by refining/improving the latter in parallel to extensive validation of wet-chemical workup procedures. This is followed by application to lake and marine sediments to evaluate fatty acid d18O patterns across climate transitions and to systematically assess lipid d18O information in the context of vital effects. The project requires a keen interest in both mass spectrometry and paleoclimatology.
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