The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.
For section Section 2.5 "Geodynamic Modelling”, (department “Geophysics”), we are looking for a:
PhD candidate (f_m_x) - Global rift analysis for long-term carbon cycle modelling
Reference Number 10009
Throughout Earth's history, geodynamic processes have driven atmospheric CO₂ fluctuations, playing a major role in long-term climate change. Continental rifts, in particular, activate vast, deep carbon reservoirs, contributing significantly to natural CO₂ emissions. However, due to incomplete records of past rift activity, modeling the influence of rifting on the long-term carbon cycle remains a challenge. As part of the ERC Consolidator project EMERGE, this doctoral project aims to bridge this gap by linking measurements and models of rift-related CO₂ degassing. The initial objective is to incorporate geological records of Phanerozoic rifting events into a comprehensive global database through analysis of tectonic reconstructions and the development of automated geoinformation workflows. These findings will then feed into biogeochemical carbon cycle models, enabling interpretations in relation to paleoclimate proxy data.
Your responsibilities:
- Assemble information on deep-time rift events and their geodynamic characteristics
- Create possible scenarios of rift-related CO2 emissions over time - first for individual rifts, then globally
- Conduct biogeochemical carbon cycle models for several scenarios and interpret results in relation to available proxy data
- Collaborating with members of the EMERGE project
- Potentially co-supervise Master students
- Interact with colleagues in the Geodynamic Modelling Section at group meetings, workshops and in other informal ways
- Presentation of results at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed publications
- Voluntary participation in the project’s field trips to sites in East Africa and Europe
Your qualifications:
- Master`s degree (or equivalent) in Earth Sciences or related field
- Broad knowledge of geophysics, geodynamics, geology and Earth System sciences
- Basic knowledge of programming (Python, C++)
- Basic knowledge of model visualization
- Experience in computational modelling
- Ability to work in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment
- Creativity and critical thinking skills
- Capacity for international teamwork, and excellent communication skills
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
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 benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 36 Monate
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Teilzeit 75% (derzeit 29,25 h/Woche)
Place of work: Potsdam
Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 25th November 2024. Please use our online application form only.
Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. 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. 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 questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at [sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de](mailto:sbv@gfz-potsdam.de), who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at [gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de](mailto:gba@gfz-potsdam.de).
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. Sascha Brune either via email at brune@gfz-potsdam.de or phone +49 (0)331-6264-1928. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.
