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 in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

Your responsibilities:

Chemical preparation: Carrying out wet chemical digestion (e.g. acid and pressure digestion) as well as gravimetric and volumetric methods under clean conditions
Preparative laboratory work: Carrying out the necessary (geo-)chemical preparative steps, procedures and calculations, e.g. preparation of standard solutions
Core competence ICP-MS & trace analysis: Independent preparation, execution and evaluation of ICP-MS analyses, taking into account various sample matrices
Process automation: Control of automated dilutions and element separations using specialised systems (SeaFast, prepFast)
Laboratory practice & analysis: Preparation of standard solutions, stoichiometric calculations
Advanced analysis: Support with further analytical procedures, e.g. C/H/O/N elemental analyser
Technology & maintenance: Ensuring the operational readiness of analytical instruments through regular maintenance and servicing, independently carrying out basic repairs and technical troubleshooting in the event of a fault, and coordinating and supervising external service appointments
Laboratory organisation & safety: Responsibility for the smooth running of the laboratory, including organising maintenance, procuring materials and ensuring cleanliness, ensuring compliance with laboratory guidelines, hazardous substances regulations and the documentation of all procedures, training and supporting laboratory users in the use of equipment and procedures

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

A successfully completed apprenticeship as a chemical laboratory technician, CTA or a comparable technical qualification in the field of chemical analysis
Sound knowledge of analytical chemistry, particularly regarding the safe handling of chemicals and hazardous substances, as well as their disposal
A structured, independent approach to work, as well as reliability in the practical execution and comprehensive documentation of analyses
Good knowledge of mathematical data processing (means, standard deviations) and standard MS Office applications
Good command of German and a basic knowledge of English
Commitment and an interest in familiarising yourself with new chemical‑analytical issues

Desirable Qualifications:

Practical experience in instrumental analysis or trace analysis, ideally with ICP‑MS or similar
Interest in geological sample types and knowledge of the behaviour of elements in different matrices
Basic knowledge of the care and maintenance of laboratory equipment, and a willingness to learn this (pumps, compressors, balances)
Interest in geochemical topics and geological research
Previous experience in the operation of automated systems such as SeaFast or prepFast

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
Flexible working hours and conditions
Support with finding a good work‑life balance offered by
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 2026

Fixed-term: 2 years (with the option to apply for a permanent employment contract within the fixed‑term period)

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 9a according to “TVöD Bund ”. 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

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 5th August 2026 . Please use our online application form only.

Required documents:

Cover letter
CV
Certificates/grades

We actively promote diversity and explicitly welcome 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. If you have any 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.

Data protection information for applicants.

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Dr. Jessica Stammeier 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.

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Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres