Head of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry User Facility (f_m_x), Potsdam, Germany [english]

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 according to our vision: "Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet".

For section 3.1 Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry (department "Geochemistry"), we are looking for a:

Head of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry User Facility (f_m_x), Potsdam, Germany Reference Number 11027 The Potsdam SIMS laboratory operates a Cameca 1280‑HR large geometry ion microprobe, which functions as an open user facility supporting the research needs of scientists from around the world. Due to the pending retirement of the current head of this laboratory, we are seeking a senior scientist to assume this role, leading our facility into the future. He/she will coordinate the day‑to‑day operations of this laboratory and help develop long‑term plans for the facility.

Your responsibilities:

Management of the SIMS laboratory in project planning, coordination of work, allocation of measurement times, data evaluation, and publication in scientific literature

Advising both GFZ internal and external scientist on the optimal strategies for applying in situ geochemical microanalysis to their research tasks and evaluating laboratory access proposals

Financial planning for the laboratory, including cooperation with the finance department in preparing invoices for users and applying for external funding for upgrading SIMS equipment and the laboratory, also with regard to the SIMS component within the framework of the GFZ's large infrastructure

Research and development of novel uses for SIMS technology and better strategies for SIMS‑based microanalysis

Reports on the utilisation of the SIMS laboratory to internal GFZ committees

Production of reference materials of high metrological quality

Your qualifications:

A Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in the natural sciences, and at least 5 years of professional experience in working with SIMS instruments, particularly in the areas of project planning, data acquisition, data processing, and supporting users in interpreting and publishing their research results

Knowledge of ion optics and the maintenance and troubleshooting of large geometry SIMS instruments

Profound knowledge in mineralogy and crystallography

Previous involvement and proven knowledge in practical works, including rock processing, mineral separation, and sample preparation for reliable SIMS measurements right from the start

Eagerness to contribute to international working groups, e.g. devoted to improving geochemical metrology

Interest in a diverse spectrum of microanalytical applications ranging from petrology, geochronology, climatology, ecology, deep mantle cycling, and ingenious, and metamorphic studies

Strong communication and excellent social skills

Fluency in the English language and basic knowledge of the German language

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

Start date:

1st November 2026 Fixed‑term:

2 years (with possibility of extension and permanent position) Salary:

The position is classed as salary group 14 according to "TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)". The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications. Working hours:

Vollzeit (derzeit 39 h/Woche); Die Stelle ist grundsätzlich teilzeitgeeignet. Place of work:

Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application by

22nd February 2026 . Please use our online application form only.

Required documents:

CV and letter of motivation (including references) Publication list Research interest statement Certificates/grades List of third‑party funded projects Approved certification of English language skills

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. In case of 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.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Judith Schicks via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) .

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