Doctoral researcher, geochemist

About us

The working group Marine Isotope Geochemistry uses stable and radiogenic isotope systems (Si, Fe, Nd, Sr, Pb) to investigate biogeochemical processes, element cycles and inputs to the ocean, and to reconstruct changes in the marine environment during past intervals of climate change. 

The research unit DynaDeep "The Dynamic Deep Subsurface of High-Energy Beaches” (phase 2) is a collaborative project investigating the hydrodynamic and biogeochemical processes in subterranean estuaries, i.e. the connective zones between land and sea. In Phase 2 of the project, the role of reactive zones (‘hot spots’), events (‘hot moments’), and compounds (‘hot stuff’) for the overall turnover of the biogeochemical reactor will be addressed at our central field site on the island Spiekeroog in Germany. The transferability and generalizability of our findings will further be challenged by conducting research at additional beaches in Belgium and France and with different global model approaches. With this interdisciplinary strategy, DynaDeep will elucidate the global relevance of the dynamic deep subsurface of high-energy beaches for carbon, nutrient and trace element cycling. For more information see also https://uole.de/en/icbm/dynadeep.

Your tasks

The PhD project within subproject P4 “Trace elements and metal isotopes: Transformation and fractionation” will focus on the linked iron and sulfur cycle using iron and sulfur isotopes to identify and trace biogeochemical processes and their spatio-temporal changes in the subterranean estuary. The successful candidate will carry out field work on Spiekeroog Island and at our validation sites in Belgium and France, and analyze the collected porewater and sediments for iron isotopes. Investigations of light isotopes at all sites will be done in close collaboration with our scientific partner at the Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW). The successful candidate will work closely together with a postdoc in subproject P4, who focuses on trace metal dynamics. 

Responsibilities of the successful candidate include participation in porewater and sediment sampling campaigns on Spiekeroog Island and our validation sites in Belgium and France, and the processing and analysis of samples for iron isotopes. Analyses of sulfur isotopes and sulfide species will be carried out in collaboration with our partner at IOW. 

Your profile

Requirements:

• University degree (Master or Diploma, not of a University of Applied Sciences) in earth sciences, analytical chemistry or a related field
• Knowledge of (marine) biogeochemical processes
• Background and practical experience in inorganic-geochemical sample processing and analysis
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent English language skills (written and spoken)
• Willingness to carry out field work also under harsh conditions
• Intrinsic motivation and a strong interest in collaborative research

Desirable:

• Practical experience in mass spectrometric analysis of metal isotopes

We offer

• Salary and social benefits in accordance with the regulations of the German salary agreement for public service employees (TV-L)
• An interesting position in an international and interdisciplinary research team, including a PhD cohort of 13 candidates
• An open, cooperative, family-friendly working atmosphere
• Opportunities for personal and professional development, e.g. within the graduate school OLTECH 

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information

Please note that the position is subject to the final favorable decision of the German research foundation (DFG) in early July.

The position starts at the next possible date, earliest October 1^st, 2025.

Contact

For any questions please contact Prof. Dr. Katharina Pahnke ([email protected]).