Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Organic Geochemistry

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

Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Organic Geochemistry

Reference Number 11327

Biochar-Now: Biochar from waste materials to reduce CO₂ in the atmosphere (CDR) – potential and environmental risks

The position is part of the Biochar-Now research project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. In order to keep the rise in global warming below 2ºC (Paris Agreement), it has become clear that the mere reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will not be sufficient and that CO2 drawdown from the atmosphere will be essential. One technological solution is the pyrolytic fixation of photosynthetically generated biomass to biochar. Biochar products are mainly used as an agricultural enhancer, whereas the coal itself remains inert and leads to long‑term storage of CO2‑derived carbon in soils. To significantly increase the extent of CO2 drawdown with the biochar technique, we will explore the potential and environmental risks of biochar generated from various organic‑rich municipal waste streams, such as sewage sludge, particle board wood remains, other waste wood, compost sieve overflow, etc. In addition to the production of biochar, the research will focus in particular on the release of organic pollutants and heavy metals from the coal.

Your responsibilities:

• Process development for the production of biochar from various waste streams
• Analysis of the biochar produced for organic pollutants and heavy metals
• Leaching tests to simulate the natural release of pollutants from the biochar

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Organic Chemistry/Geochemistry, Geology or environmental science
• Experience in the analysis of organic compounds
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to work as part of a team and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in the production of biochar and/or in leaching experiments
• Experience in fieldwork, including sampling
• Category B driving licence

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
• Professional career advice offered by our in‑house Career Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work‑life balance is 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 October 2026

Fixed-term: 36 months

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to "TVöD Bund". 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

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. 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.