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

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. 135/2017) at the Department of Hydrogeology at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU)

Monitoring Migration Pathways in the Subsurface Using Tailored Polymer Tracer Libraries

Fluid flow and reactive transport in the Hainich Critical Zone Exploratory (CZE) environment take place in a complex structured hydrogeological setting. In order to reconstruct migration pathways of natural organic matter, tailored conservative and reactive tracers, which act as functional analogues, are required. The joint project aims to create a tracer library based on methacrylic copolymers with controlled colloidal size, hydrophobicity, pH-, and redox-dependent behavior, as well as controlled stability. In this part of the project, the tracer library will be utilized in model solubility and mobility assessments of increased complexity from the lab-scale to field testing in view of a full-scale application.

Requirements:
– A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in geochemistry, geology, soil science, hydrogeology, or related discipline
– Solid knowledge of hydrogeology, mineralogy, hydrochemistry, soil science
– Excellent technical skills in analyitcal and experimental hydrogeology, spectroscopic methods (e.g., UV-VIS, Fluorescence), analytical chemistry (e.g., GC-FID, GC-MS, IC)
– 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 Nov 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