PhD Student Chemistry, Physics (m/f/d) (Geowissenschaftler/in)

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state governments. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics, thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.
PhD position in “New Analytical Techniques for the Oldest Ice in Antarctica” (m/f/d)

Background
Project title: Al/Be/Cl in the Beyond EPICA Oldest Ice Core: A multi-method investigation of post- depositional changes and their implications for radiometric dating

There are ongoing international efforts to drill and retrieve an ice core from Antarctica (Beyond EPICA Oldest Ice Core) that will cover the enigmatic Mid-Pleistocene Transition. However, the interpretation of the obtained proxy records from the deepest ice will be challenged by their post-depositional changes occuring in the ice matrix, making a better understanding of these processes paramount.

This project aims to provide unique constraints on the interpretation of the climate signals obtained from the ice core. Embedded in the ERC funded project AiCE, this PhD-project aims at applying novel laser ablation time-of-flight ICP-MS to generate high-resolution 2D elemental maps of chemical impurities in ice to investigate their post-depositional alteration, focusing on the novel analytes Al and Cl. You will also prepare samples for cosmogenic radionuclide analyses (10Be/26Al/36Cl). Taken together, these results will be used to study the effects of element migration and mineral formation/dissolution on climate records obtained from deep ice cores. This will contribute to a better understanding and interpretation of ice core climate records, which are urgently needed to achieve the goals of Oldest Ice. You will

develop a method for the laser ablation ICP-TOF-MS measurement of Cl, Al, Be on ice
conduct LA-ICP-TOF-MS measurements of artificial and real ice
perform method tests for cosmogenic radionuclide sample preparation
prepare cosmogenic radionuclide samples
interpret, present and publish your results

MSc (or equivalent) in Geosciences, Chemistry or Physics or a related field
Strong background in (geo-)chemistry
Strong analytical skills and demonstrated, relevant laboratory experience
Prior experience in ice core analysis and dating, laser ablation applications and ICPMS advantageous
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written
For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Pascal Bohleber (+49(471)4831-1508; [email protected]) or Florian Adolphi (+49(471)4831-1008; [email protected]).

This position is limited to 3 years. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.
The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure th...

PhD position “Accumulation & Mass Balance History from Long-term Observations in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica (ACHIL)” (m/f/d)

Background
The specific surface mass balance of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is one of the most important metrics used to determine its contribution to the sea level budget. To track the temporal development of mass balance in a changing climate, it is important to consider continuous records. The AWI has a unique >30-year accumulation record from Neumayer Station, Antarctica, two decades of surface mass balance observations along the Neumayer-Kottas-Kohnen traverse, and a multi-year record of sub-ice shelf basal melting, which can be used to investigate the role of atmospheric drivers of the land ice-sea ice-ocean system and analyse changes over time. This will provide the basis for new numerical models and satellite products. You will

perform a statistical analysis of one climate period of ground-based accumulation measurements;
analyse regional spatial variations of accumulation by combining results with remote-sensing observations and the outputs of regional climate models;
link observed changes to local meteorological conditions, larger-scale patterns, sea-ice and ocean characteristics to identify driving processes; and
synthesise the total ice-shelf mass balance and its effect on surrounding environments.

Proven expertise and an MSc (or equivalent) in the atmospheric or cryospheric sciences, geosciences or related disciplines.
Previous experience in environmental time series analysis, a firm grasp of environmental physics, geosciences, and programming skills (such as Python).
A distinct interest in scientific exchange and communication with the group members and interdisciplinary collaborators is expected.
Willingness to perform field observations (proven field experience is an asset).
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written, since the working group is composed of international fellow researchers and the research results will be published in internationally respected journals.
This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1st November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)



AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, romantic orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. Our Family Office will be happy to support you - even b...

Project title: Al/Be/Cl in the Beyond EPICA Oldest Ice Core: A multi-method investigation of post- depositional changes and their implications for radiometric dating

There are ongoing international efforts to drill and retrieve an ice core from Antarctica (Beyond EPICA Oldest Ice Core) that will cover the enigmatic Mid-Pleistocene Transition.

This project aims to provide unique constraints on the interpretation of the climate signals obtained from the ice core. As part of this PhD project, the successful candidate will produce high-resolution 2D elemental maps of chemical impurities in the ice using laser ablation “time-of-flight” ICP-MS, focusing on the novel analytes Al and Cl. The PhD student will also prepare samples for cosmogenic radionuclide analyses (10Be/26Al/36Cl). Taken together, these results will be used to study the effects of element migration and mineral formation/dissolution on climate records obtained from deep ice cores. This will contribute to a better understanding and interpretation of ice core climate records, which are urgently needed to achieve the goals of Oldest Ice. You will

develop a method for the laser ablation ICP-TOF-MS measurement of Cl, Al, Be on ice
conduct LA-ICP-TOF-MS measurements of artificial and real ice
perform method tests for cosmogenic radionuclide sample preparation
prepare cosmogenic radionuclide samples
interpret, present and publish your results

MSc (or equivalent) in Geosciences, Chemistry or Physics or a related field
Strong background in (geo-)chemistry
Strong analytical skills and demonstrated, relevant laboratory experience
Prior experience in ice core analysis and dating, laser ablation applications and ICPMS advantageous
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written
This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1st December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)




AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, romantic orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.


AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. Our Family Office will be happy to support you - even before you start at AWI.

Das Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung ist eine von der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, der Freien Hansestadt Bremen und den Ländern Brandenburg, Schleswig-Holstein und Niedersachsen getragene Forschungseinrichtung mit rund 1.200 Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern. In einem breiten multidisziplinären Ansatz betreiben wir Polar- und Meeresforschung und leisten dabei im Verbund mit zahlreichen universitären und außeruniversitären Forschungseinrichtungen einen wichtigen Beitrag zur globalen Umwelt-, Erdsystem- und Paläoklimaforschung. Techniker:in Feldglaziologie (m/w/d) Hintergrund

Sie werden in der Sektion Glaziologie Geräte und Systeme betreuen, vor allem solche für Einsätze in den Polargebieten. Ihre Arbeiten bilden die Grundlage für Messungen im Feld, die unser Verständnis des Fließens polarer Eiskappen und ihres Beitrags zur Meeresspiegelentwicklung verbessern. Wir verwenden vielfältige Methoden, von Radar- und seismischen Verfahren über direkte Schneezutragsmessungen bis hin zu autonomen Langzeitbeobachtungen. Ihr Beitrag zur Erhebung und yse dieser Daten liefert die Datensätze zur Verfolgung der Reaktion der polaren Eisschilde in einem sich verändern Klima und der Rekonstruktion ihrer Vergangenheit. Falls gewünscht, besteht für Sie die Möglichkeit an Messkampagnen im Rahmen von international besetzten Expeditionen teilzunehmen. Unsere erfahrenen Wissenschaftler:innen begleiten Sie intensiv bei der Einarbeitung.

Aufgaben

* Weiter- und Neuentwicklung von Mess- und Energiesystemen
* Kooperation und Unterstützung bei Entwicklungsarbeiten im Team der Techniker & Ingenieure
* Betreuung der glaziologischen Geräte für Feldeinsätze
* Bereitstellung Verbrauchsmaterial und Sicherstellung der Einsatzbereitschaft von Geräten
* selbständige Durchführung der logistischen Abwicklung (Fracht & Lagerhaltung)
* selbständige Durchführung von Datenverarbeitung & -auswertung, Datenbankpflege, einfachen Programmierarbeiten, Unterstützung von Datenspeicherung, Geräte- und Einsatzdokumentation
* Unterstützung bei der Durchführung von Studentenpraktika, Abschlussarbeiten und Workshops
* Möglichkeit zur Teilnahme an Expeditionen, insbesondere nach Grönland und in die Antarktis

Voraussetzungen
* Abgeschlossene Hochschulstudium Mechatronik, Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik, Automatisierungstechnik, (Geodäsie und) Messtechnik, Robotik, oder vergleichbare Qualifikation
* Bereitschaft zur betrieblichen und außerbetrieblichen Fortbildung

Wünschenswerte Fähigkeiten und Kenntnisse
* Gute Englischkenntnisse in Wort und Schrift
* Erfahrung im Betrieb und Optimierung von elektronischen & elektrischen Geräten, Mechatronik, u. ä.
* Erfahrung im Betrieb von geophysikalischen und glaziologischen Geräten
* Erfahrung im Betrieb von hydraulischen Anlagen
* Erfahrung in logistischen Abläufen und Lagerhaltung
* Freude an Organisation, Optimierung und Dokumentation von Arbeitsabläufen
* Interesse und Tauglichkeit zur Teilnahme an Expeditionen in Polargebiete

Weitere Informationen

Weitere Informationen erhalten Sie bei Prof. Dr. Olaf Eisen ([email protected]; +49(471)4831-1969).

Die Stelle ist unbefristet und wird in Vollzeit ausgeschrieben. Die Tätigkeit eignet sich auch für eine Beschäftigung in Teilzeit. Die Vergütung ist abhängig von Ihrer Qualifikation sowie den Ihnen übertragenen Aufgaben bis Entgeltgruppe 11 möglich und richtet sich nach dem Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst des Bundes (TVöD-Bund). Der Dienstort ist Bremerhaven.

Wir bieten

* exzellente Forschung
* Zusammenarbeit und Kooperation - institutsintern, national und international, interdisziplinär
* Chancen, sich zu entwickeln – auf der eigenen Stelle und auf andere Stellen hin
* ein internationales Umfeld – alltägliche Kontakte zu Menschen aus aller Welt
* flexible Arbeitszeiten
* betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung und Firmenfitness mit EGYM Wellpass
* Unterstützungsangebote und eine gelebte Kultur der Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie
* betriebliche Altersvorsorge (VBL)
* Jobticket



Chancengleichheit ist ein fester Bestandteil unserer Personalpolitik. Das AWI strebt die Erhöhung des Frauenanteils an und ermutigt daher qualifizierte Interessentinnen ausdrücklich zur Bewerbung.
Schwerbehinderte Bewerber:innen werden bei gleicher fachlicher und persönlicher Eignung bevorzugt. Über verschiedene Maßnahmen wird gezielt die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie gefördert. Aufgrund unserer familienbewussten Personalpolitik wurde uns das Zertifikat zum Audit „Beruf und Familie“ verliehen.

Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Bewerbung!

Bewerben können Sie sich bis zum 13. November 2023 ausschließlich online.
Referenznummer: 23/188/G/Geo-u