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PhD opportunity – geothermal fluids/ extraction, GFZ, Potsdam, Germany

PhD opportunity – geothermal fluids/ extraction, GFZ, Potsdam, Germany Geoforschungszentrum (GFZ) Potsdam, Germany (source: Andreas Schwarzkopf, commons.wikimedia)
Alexander Richter 25 Sep 2019

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences invite applications for a PhD Student job vacancy for work on redefining geothermal fluid properties at extreme conditions to optimize future geothermal energy extraction, financed by EU H2020.

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national research centre for Earth sciences in Germany. With approximately 1.280 employees (including visiting scientists), the GFZ is conducting interdisciplinary research on the “System Earth” and the influence of humans on the planet. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, it is part of Germany’s largest science organization.

For Sections 4.8 “Geoenergy” and 3.2 “Organic Geochemistry” we invite applications for a PhD Student (m/f/x) job vacancy No. 3416 for our work that is part of the REFLECT (Redefining geothermal fluid properties at extreme conditions to optimize future geothermal energy extraction) project, financed by EU H2020.

With this PhD study the role of organic compounds in geothermal fluids wil be investigated, with focus on behaviour of organic compounds at defined temperature and pressure conditions in saline fluids and the effects that organic compounds have on the formation of colloids and in interaction with microorganisms. For additional info about the project you may contact Simona Regenspurg
(regens@gfz-potsdam.de) or Andrea Vieth-Hillebrand
(vieth@gfz-potsdam.de)
<strong”>Your responsibilities:

  • conduct original research on the organic geochemistry of highly saline brines from different geothermal plants
  • sampling campaigns in the field
  • perform lab experiments on the behaviour of selected organic compounds at defined temperature and pressure conditions
  • perform lab experiments on the interactions of microorganisms and selected organic compounds
  • carry out organic geochemical analysis of the brine samples including IC, LC-OCD and FT-ICR-MS
  • report regularly to the collaborators, publish in international peer-reviewed journals and present research results at scientific meetings

Your qualifications:

  • applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Geochemistry, Geoecology, Chemistry or Geosciences
  • background knowledge in aspects of the following: geothermal fluid geochemistry, organic geochemistry, analytical chemistry, microbiology
  • experience in analytical lab work (organic geochemistry, water chemistry)
  • familiarity with interpreting different types of geochemical data
  • demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team, keep to deadlines and engage in interdisciplinary work
  • candidates are expected to write their thesis in English and knowledge of German is an advantage

 

Further details

  • Starting date: 1st January 2020
  • Fixed term: 36 month
  • Working hours: part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
  • Salary: This position has been assessed as being salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group will be determined by the conditions of the collective wage agreement and the appropriate personal qualifications.
  • Location: Potsdam, Germany

You can expect a very diverse and challenging job in an international work environment that is characterized by exciting research projects. The compatibility of work and family life is of particular concern to the GFZ. Therefore, it offers the opportunity for flexible working time and workplaces. Moreover, there is a kindergarten located on the research campus.

The GFZ is a partner with Geo.X (www.geo-x.net), and as such it is well connected with other geoscience institutions in Potsdam and Berlin. Geo.X forms the largest regional cluster of geoscientific expertise in Europe and offers excellent opportunities for cooperation and development.

APPLY 

Please submit your application by 13th October 2019 using the “Apply” button.

If you have any questions regarding this job offer, please feel free to call Ms Buge at +49 0331 288-28878.

Equal opportunity is an inherent part of our personnel policy. Therefore we are particularly welcoming applications from qualified women. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential treatment in the case of equal qualification.

We will retain your application documents for at least three months, even if the application is not successful.

Source: GFZ Potsdam