Post-Doc (f_m_x) – Geochemical fingerprinting of volcanogenic massive sulfide systems using accessory minerals
The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for geosphere research. As a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres we are part of the largest scientific organization in Germany. With approximately 1,500 employees our key mission is to secure a profound understanding of the systems and processes of solid Earth, to develop strategies and options for action in addressing global change and its impacts on a regional level, to understand natural hazards and to minimize associated risks, to ensure the sustainable provision of energy and raw materials for a high-tech society and to evaluate the influence of human activity on system Earth.
For Section 3.1 “Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry” (Department “Geochemistry”), we are looking for a talented post-doctoral researcher. This project is funded by the DOME Special Priority Programme of the DFG, coordinated by the University of Potsdam. The project will be supervised by Prof. Sarah Gleeson, Dr. Valby von Schijndel (GFZ), Dr. Marta Codeço (University of Arizona). The project will assess the potential of accessory minerals as recorders of mineralizing processes and as pathfinders for mineralization in VMS districts with a complex history.
Your responsibilities:
- Determine temporal context of accessory minerals from samples from the Iberian Pyrite Belt and Kidd Creek, Canada using petrographic techniques (including Cathodoluminescence, SEM, EMPA, micro-XRF)
- Carry our bulk lithogeochemical and quantitative mineralogy on host rock samples
- Analyse the major, minor and trace element compositions of accessory minerals by LA-ICP-MS
- If suitable grains are found, analyse accessory minerals by SIMS for O isotopes and U-Pb dating
- Develop discriminant diagrams by applying statistical and machine learning techniques
- Report regularly to collaborators, publish peer reviewed papers in journals, open access data-sets and present results at conferences and workshops
- Actively engage and contribute to the Gleeson research group, Section 3.1, the GFZ and the DOME community.
Your qualifications:
- Applicants should hold a Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD degree in a discipline of geosciences
- Background knowledge in aspects of the following: geochemistry, metamorphism, hydrothermal ore deposits, mineralogy, thermodynamics
- Experience in standard petrographic techniques (transmitted and reflected light) and paragenetic analyses.
- Familiarity with analyses and interpretation of different types of geochemical data (bulk rock lithogeochemistry, LA-ICP-MS, stable isotopic data, geochemical data)
- Demonstrated experience in publishing high quality papers in scientific journals
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team, keep to deadlines and engage in interdisciplinary work
- Demonstrated ability for leadership
- Good spoken and written English is required, some knowledge of German is an advantage
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
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 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
