Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Organic Isotope 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. 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 3.2 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 (δ¹⁸O) 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 δ¹⁸O patterns across climate transitions and to systematically assess lipid δ¹⁸O information in the context of vital effects. The project requires a keen interest in both mass spectrometry and paleoclimatology.

Your responsibilities:

• Method development/improvement on an Orbitrap MS
• Workup of rock samples and extensive wet‑chemical processing
• Instrumental analysis and evaluation of multi‑element isotope signatures of fatty acids in a paleoclimate context
• Creation of in‑house reference standards
• Processing of data using R and advanced statistical evaluation

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Organic Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/Geochemistry, Geology or Environmental Sciences
• Active interest in paleoclimate
• Experience with the analysis of organic compounds
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work as part of a team and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Proactive and independent character

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with Orbitrap mass spectrometry
• Experience with stable oxygen isotope analysis
• Experience with paleoclimatology
• Experience with data handling in R
• Category B driving license

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

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 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

GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, irrespective 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.