Doctoral researcher position in Geochemistry / Hydrogeology in Jena, Germany (1/2)

The Collaborative Research Center SFB 1076 “AquaDiva – Understanding the Links between Surface and Subsurface Biogeosphere” is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). AquaDiva is an ambitious research center with more than 70 researchers and Institutes at four faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU) and three non-university research institutes in Jena or Leipzig. The integrated Research Training Group AquaDiva is educating doctoral researchers in a structured, interdisciplinary training program. AquaDiva combines different research areas, such as ecology, microbiology, hydrogeology, soil science, geomorphology, geochemistry, geology, geophysics, chemistry, and information science, to a comprehensive picture of subsurface research (www.aquadiva.uni-jena.de).
The Integrated Research Training Group AquaDiva invites applications for a
Doctoral Researcher Position (m/f; Ref.No. 134/2017)
at the Department of Hydrogeology at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU)

Biogeochemistry in Zones of Fluctuating Groundwater: Alteration of Rock Surfaces and Interactions with Subsurface Colloids

Strong groundwater fluctuations may affect the fluids, the habitats for the rock-surface microbiome, the biogeochemical weathering/alteration processes, and the mobilization and transport of readily-available solutes and colloids including biota. Using the field installations and novel “drain collectors,” the continuum of subsurface mobile matter will be traced and characterized together with the architecture and composition of the biogeochemical interfaces that have developed in the aeration zone. In controlled joint laboratory experiments, typical conditions of the aeration zone will be simulated to understand the specific processes that control inhabitation, alteration, and weathering therein.

Requirements:
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in geochemistry, geology, soil science, hydrogeology, or related discipline; candidates expected to earn their degree by September 2017 are welcome to apply
Solid knowledge of hydrogeology, mineralogy, hydrochemistry, soil science
Excellent technical skills in analytical hydrochemistry, mineralogic methods (e.g., FT-IR, XRD, REM-EDX, AFM)
Readyness to work for extended periods in the field
Enthusiasm to play an active role in the interdisciplinary research team of AquaDiva
Highly motivated and creative personalities, with an interest to shape their own thesis project
Excellent written and oral communications skills in English

We offer:
A doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13 – salary agreement for public service employees, 65%) with funding from Sep 1, 2017, until Jun 30, 2021, as well as generous research funding with the possibility of a three-months research stay abroad
Opportunity for research on an innovative and unique Critical Zone research platform
A comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
A communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities and training program, including participation in international and national conferences and workshops
The place of work is Jena, Germany, a young and lively university town with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centers of innovation, and a vibrant cultural scene around a university with a rich tradition