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

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”.

Overview

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

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 scientists 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

Details

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: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.

Place of work: Potsdam

How to apply

Please use our online application form. The deadline is 22nd February 2026.

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

EEO and Contact

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 contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

For questions about the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Judith Schicks via email. For general questions about the application process, contact our recruiting team at +49 (0) .

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