Doctoral researcher, marine biogeochemistry

About us

The ICBM-MPI Bridging Group Marine Geochemistry investigates the biogeochemical cycles of dissolved organic matter (DOM), in particular the sources and fate of organic matter at land-ocean interfaces, its role as a substrate sustaining microbial life, and its potential for carbon sequestration on millennial timescales. We employ state-of-the-art ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to follow the molecular traces of DOM production, and abiotic and biological turnover.

The research unit DynaDeep 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, 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

Your main research focus will be the investigation of organic matter sources to coastal aquifers and their abiotic transformation pathways, for example by adsorption-dissolution to minerals or by radical reactions at active redox interfaces. Your tasks will include (1) participating in porewater and sediment sampling campaigns at our central and validation sites, (2) conducting laboratory experiments with water and sediment samples from the field sites, (3) analysing the molecular, elemental and isotopic composition of natural organic matter and (4) processing data and synthesizing it into presentations and publications. 

Your profile

Requirements:

• Familiarity with mass spectrometry
• Knowledge of multivariate statistics, management of large-size datasets, basic programming with e.g. R, Python or Matlab
• Good teamwork and communication skills

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
• 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

The position starts at the next possible date (earliest 10/2025).

It belongs to the research unit DynaDeep "The Dynamic Deep Subsurface of High-Energy Beaches” (phase 2).

Contact