Currently, the following positions are available at IFM-GEOMAR:

1. PhD Position "TRION" (closing date September 10, 2010)
2. Scientist Position (PhD-candidate) DFG-project “TRIAS”
3. Technician Position Project “Jeddah Transsect” 
4. 2 PhD Student Positions "CASE" (closing date September 10, 2010)
5. 2 PhD Positions “SOPATRA" (closing date September 29, 2010)

The “Marine Geosystems Research Unit” at the Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences in Kiel, Germany, has a vacancy for a

Ph.D. position

within the TRION project funded by the “Trilateral Program” of the German Science Foundation (DFG).

The international research project TRION brings together Palestinian, Israeli and German scientists to extend the application of traditional radiogenic strontium isotope ratios in the direction of non-traditional stable strontium isotope fractionation. The project aims include testing the potential of paired radiogenic and stable Sr isotopes to study continental weathering processes as well as to determine the degree of temperature and rate dependent Sr isotope fractionation during the precipitation of organic and inorganic carbonates. Beyond the scientific goals, the project is expected to promote networking and scientific collaboration between the partners, contributing to the peace process in this region.

In particular, the selected PhD student will study the controls on the isotope fractionation of strontium in biogenic and inorganic calcium carbonate and its pathways during biomineralization processes. He/she will set up laboratory experiments in Israel and in Germany with live corals to study the effects of changing seawater conditions (i.e., pH, temperature and salinity) on the skeleton. Since the successful applicant is expected to perform high precision elemental and isotopic analysis on these skeletons, some experience in analytical techniques is preferable but not a precondition for a successful application. Applicants should be willing to do fieldwork abroad and to participate in international workshops and training courses together with other TRION members.

The position, starting on October 15th, 2010, will run for a first period of 2 years but can be extended. Salary and social benefits will be according to the German civil service salary system E13 TV-L. The salary status is currently under consideration to be upgraded from 50% (E13-1/2) to 75% (E13-3/4). Candidates should have a good knowledge of spoken and written English.

The Leibniz-Institute of Marine Sciences is an equal opportunity employer and encourages female scientists to apply.
Handicapped persons will be given preference in case of equal qualifications.

Please send your applications in English, including a current CV and names of 2 referees, to arrive no later than September 10, 2010. Written applications should be sent to Ms. Schlüter: Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences, IFM-GEOMAR, East Shore Campus, Wischhofstr. 1-3, D-24148, Kiel, Germany. It is also possible to apply by e-mail to aschlueter (a) ifm-geomar.de

The starting date of the position will be October 15, 2010. For additional information please contact the coordination assistant Dr. B. Kisakurek bkisakurek (a) ifm-geomar.de

Please mention the vacancy number TRION322B in the e-mail header or at the top of your letter and on the envelope.

 .

Subject to the approval by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF), the Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences (IFM-GEOMAR) Research Unit Paleoceanography is offering two scientific positions vacant within the project “SOPATRA South Pacific Paleoceanographic Transects”, which will be carried out in close collaboration with the Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research at Bremerhaven. Employment should commence on November 1, 2010.

The project targets on the reconstruction of the Pleistocene atmospheric-oceanic circulation patterns in the SE Pacific. The IFM-GEOMAR will contribute 1.) to the paleoceanographic reconstruction of the upper ocean in relation to changes in the SE-Pacific frontal system, surface circulation, and intermediate water formation, and 2.) to the spatial and temporal reconstruction of the deepwater circulation, its formation processes and locations. The paleoceanographic approach, which will combine various geochemical methods, and will be based on sediment core material, which will be recovered during a forthcoming cruise with RV SONNE.

We seek highly motivated and enthusiastic Ph.D. candidates interested in geochemical paleoceanography:

Ph.D. position „upper ocean“
The research objectives of the Ph.D. student will focus on the spatial and temporal variations of the SE-Pacific oceanic fronts during the Pleistocene by reconstructing seasurface temperature, salinity and productivity. Main working approach will be foraminiferal geochemistry.

Ph.D. position „deep water circulation“
The research objectives of the Ph.D. student will concentrate on the identification of the Nd and Pb isotope signature of deepwater and shallow water masses. The approach will comprise studies on bulk sediment, water samples and biogenic calcite. It is intended to produce a detailed reconstruction of the vertical and spatial water mass structure of the SE Pacific to reveal Late Quaternary circulation changes and to assess the role of the SE Pacific for global climate change.

The positions will be limited to initial 26 months. The salary will be according to the German E13 TV-L pay scale (75% of full-time equivalent), subject to the approval by the BMBF). The positions can not be split.

Qualification
An academic qualification comparable to a German Diploma degree (e.g., a Master's degree including a written thesis) for the Ph.D. position in the field of (marine) geosciences, or related disciplines are required. The position affords the readiness to participate in a ship expedition to the SE Pacific from end of December 2010 to mid of March 2011. A prerequisite for the successful application is excellence in English language (oral and written).

The Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences (IFM-GEOMAR) is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply. IFM-GEOMAR also supports the employment of handicapped persons. Persons with disabilities and with appropriate qualifications and aptitudes will be employed preferentially.

The applications mentioning the respective keyword (“SOPATRA-Paleoceanography”), including a curriculum vitae and qualifying documentation (list of publications, copies of certificates, reference letter) shall be submitted until September 29, 2010 to:

Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften
Personalbüro
z. H. Frau Schlüter
Wischhofstraße 1 – 3,
D-24148 Kiel
Germany

A re-addressed envelope is greatly appreciated. For further information please contact PD Dr. Dirk Nürnberg (dnuernberg (a) ifm-geomar.de) or Prof. Dr. Martin Frank (mfrank (a) ifm-geomar.de) at IFM-GEOMAR.

IFM-GEOMAR is a foundation under public law, jointly funded by the federal und state government. The institute is a member of the Leibniz Association (WGL) and the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM). For further information please visit www.ifm-geomar.de.

 

Applications are invited for an EU-funded PhD programme at the Leibniz Instutute of Marine Sciences (IFM-GEOMAR). Two positions are available starting approx. October 2010. This project forms part of the EU funded Marie Curie Initial Training Network “CASE – The changing Arctic and Sub-Arctic environment: A research and training programme on marine biotic indicators of recent climate changes in the high latitudes of the North Atlantic” (http://caseitn.epoc.u-bordeaux1.fr). The two PhD student positions are for 36 months duration each.

Research Project
This project is part of the European Marie Curie Network for Initial Training program CASE. The research focuses on marine biotic proxies and modeling of past climate changes in high northern latitudes. It will be implemented through a joint research project aiming to describe and identify the mechanisms and impacts of recent environmental changes in the Nordic Seas.

 
PhD project WP3A focuses on how water mass properties in the Nordic Seas (temperature, salinity, ice coverage, water chemistry) are reflected in the geochemical composition of shells of marine calcareous organisms. The candidate will investigate the stable oxygen and carbon isotopic composition of alive planktic and benthic foraminifers and of water samples from the sites where the foraminifer samples were obtained. Microscopical investigations of the foraminifer associations and analyses of foraminifer and water stable isotope geochemistry (13C, 18O) using mass spectrometers at IFM-GEOMAR and Kiel University will be the main techniques to be applied during the project, but other geochemical methods may also be used. A basic education background in oceanography, geochemistry and/or micropaleontological techniques will be an advantage. Willingness to participate in seagoing expeditions is desired.

PhD project WP3B focuses on Holocene oceanic variability in the Nordic Seas as reconstructed from planktic and benthic foraminiferal isotopes. The candidate will investigate foraminifers from Nordic Seas' sediment cores to determine the history of water mass properties, surface and bottom currents, and ice coverage. Where applicable, other geochemical analysis techniques may also be used. Besides basic sedimentological preparations, microscopical selection  of foraminifers and analyses of their stable isotope geochemistry (13C, 18O) using mass spectrometers at IFM-GEOMAR and Kiel University will be the main techniques to be applied during the project, but other geochemical methods may also be used. A basic education background in oceanography, geochemistry and/or micropaleontological techniques will be an advantage. Willingness to participate in seagoing expeditions is desired.

The projects will be carried out in close collaboration with Universities of Bordeaux, Plymouth, Amsterdam, and Tromsø, the Norwegian Geological Survey, and the industrial partners (Iso Analytical Ltd., AvaaTech X-ray Technology BV).

 

Requirements and Training
To be eligible for these positions you must hold a Master of Science/Diploma or equivalent in geology, geochemistry and/or marine biology and an appropriate education in physical sciences. An appropriate qualification in the English language and experience in the use of personal computers as well as standard word and data processing programs is expected. Full training in the scientific background to the project will be given, and there will also be the opportunity to participate in a variety of complementary skills training programmes offered as part of the CASE network. There will also be the opportunity to travel to and take part in events at other sites within the network.

Since the contractor is the Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences, candidates from any country except Germany are eligible to apply. Please note that candidates must not have been resident in Germany for more than 12 months in the past 3 years. Further restrictions are found at http://caseitn.epoc.u-bordeaux1.fr/index.php/jobs.html. We prefer candidates with team spirit, who would like to work in an internationally oriented environment.

Location
The Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences (IFM-GEOMAR) is based in Kiel (northern Germany) at the Baltic Sea. Its mission is to investigate the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes in the ocean and their interaction with the seafloor and the atmosphere. Research is conducted worldwide in all oceans. The institute is a member of the Leibniz Association and employs more than 720 scientific and technical staff. For further information on the institute see our website at http://www.ifm-geomar.de. IFM-GEOMAR is associated with the University of Kiel in undergraduate and graduate teaching in the following fields: oceanography, meteorology, biological oceanography, fisheries biology, marine chemistry and geology. Kiel is the capital of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, a modern city of ca. 235,000 people, situated nicely at a fjord of the Baltic Sea, with rural surroundings, great opportunities for recreational activities (e.g., water sports) and a rich cultural and student life.

The CASE network is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in employment. IFM-GEOMAR encourages applications from female scientists. The candidates are expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis and disseminate the results through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.

Salary
The gross salary (including mobility allowance) will be approx. €41,000 per person and year for each candidate. Candidates with family (with children and/or married or equivalent) will receive approx. €44,600. A travel allowance based on the direct distance (in a straight line) between the place of origin and Kiel is payable each 12 months, as well as a career exploratory allowance of €2,000 payable once according to the Marie Curie Actions Programme conditions.  Compulsary deductions from the salary (taxes, social security contributions) will be made according to the German legislation.

Further information
More information about the planned work of the ITN “CASE” and the Quaternary Geology and Climate team can be found on http://caseitn.epoc.u-bordeaux1.fr. For further information on Work Package 3, please contact project and team leader Robert Spielhagen (rspielhagen (a) ifm-geomar.de).

How to apply
Letters of application with CV including a letter of your professional experience, a statement of motivation (one A4 page), and name, telephone, email address and mailing address of at least three professionals who can be contacted for references, should be sent to Robert Spielhagen at rspielhagen (a) ifm-geomar.de or by surface mail: Robert Spielhagen, IFM-GEOMAR, Wischhofstr. 1 - 3, D-24148 Kiel, Germany. Please make reference to WP3A and/or WP3B. Applications should be sent not later than September 10th, 2010.

 

The Leibniz-Institute of Marine Sciences (IFM-GEOMAR) is offering a

Technician Position

within the project “Jeddah Transsect” for 15 months, depending on the final funding decision.

The salary is due to the class 9 TV-L (upto) of the German tariffs for public employees (full time position).

We are looking for a technician with experience in ship based plankton sampling and chemical analysis of plankton samples, in particular analysis of stable isotopes (13C, 14N, 34S). The willingness and ability to work temporarily (up to several months per year) in Saudi Arabia is requested.

The Leibniz Institut für Meereswissenschaften wishes to increase the number of female co-workers, and applications from women are particularly encouraged.

Applications of handicapped persons will be favoured when all other qualifications are equal.

Applicants should send a curriculum vitae and copies certificates to:

Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften
- Personalbüro -
- z. H. Frau Moll -
Wischhofstraße 1-3
24148 Kiel

Please mark your application with the keyword "Jeddah-TA"

Further information can be obtained from
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Sommer
(Tel.: +49 (431) 600-4400,
E-mail: usommer (a) ifm-geomar.de

Applications are invited for a

Scientist Position (PhD-candidate)

within the DFG-project So 145/28-1 (“TRIAS”) for initially 36 months starting from July 2010 (half-day position)

We are looking for a biological oceanographer/marine biologist (diploma or master required) who will analyse the food web structure of sea-grass communities with stable isotopes (13C, 14N, 34S). The successful applicant will have to perform these analyses independently after an initial instruction on a mass spectrometer (EA-IRMS). Experience in the handling of analytical equipments and knowledge of the ecology and taxonomy of marine benthos are required.
A research diver’s license would be helpful.

The Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften wishes to increase the number of female co-workers, and applications from women are particularly encouraged.

Applications from handicapped persons will be favoured when all other qualifications are equal.

Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, copies of diploma- or M.Sc.-certificates, list of publications, and a summary of the diploma- or M.Sc.-thesis to:

Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften
an der Universität Kiel
Personalbüro
z. H. Frau Moll
Wischhofstraße 1 - 3
24148 Kiel

Please mark your application with the keyword "TRIAS"

Further information can be obtained from
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Sommer (Tel.: +49 (431) 600-4400, E-mail: usommer (a) ifm-geomar.de

Last Update this page: 01.09.2010.