Research Associate (PostDoc) in Electron Microscopy (f_m_x)

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.
Applications are invited for a postdoc to join the Interface Geochemistry section.
PostDoctoral position in electron microscopy of mineral-microbe interfaces (f_m_x)
Reference Number 9590
The research focus of the selected candidate will be on the use of scanning electron microscopy to image/analyse mineral-microbe interfaces in samples from aquatic biofilms and/or soils. The selected candidate will also become a member of the Potsdam Imaging and Spectral Analysis (PISA) Facility and contribute to projects within the Horizon Europe infrastructure program EXCITE2.
She/he/they will employ a series of electron micro-spectroscopic characterisation tools to derive fundamental knowledge about complex mineral/microbe interfaces in Earth materials working on projects that span across biogeochemistry, geobiology, environmental mineralogy or geochemistry.
Developing own research directions is strongly encouraged. The final research focus will depend on the candidate's interests/skills. The expectation is that the work will lead to publications, while allowing for her/his/their career development, co-supervision of postgraduate students and the development of 3rd party funded proposals.
Your responsibilities:
Develop and apply scanning electron microscopy sample preparation and analyses methods to study interfaces in geo(bio)materials with the aim to solve biogeochemical Earth Surface processes
Research focus on reactions and interactions between minerals and microbes in aquatic biofilms and/or soil matrixes
Correlate scanning electron microscopic results with other analytical data sets acquired with analytical tools at the disposition of the Interface Geochemistrysection or partners
Publish in international peer-reviewed journals
Present research results at national and international meetings
Lead and/or contribute to writing 3rd party funding proposals
Help co-supervise students
Your qualifications:
Master`s and PhD degree in biogeochemistry, environmental mineralogy or equivalent with a demonstrated strong focus on and experience in electron microscopic characterization
Documented skills in imaging/analyses of complex Earth material interfaces
Knowledge of and experience with sample preparation for inorganic/geobiological materials
Proven track record of achievements (talks, publications)
Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills
Proficiency in spoken and written English, German is an asset