PhD position (f_m_x) - Investigations into the industrial application of gas hydrates

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: "Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet".

For section 3.1 Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry (department "Geochemistry"), we are looking for a:

PhD position (f_m_x) - Investigations into the industrial application of gas hydrates

Reference Number 10257

Development of a method for efficient CO2 capture from exhaust gases and coupled treatment of industrial wastewater using gas hydrate technology.

Gas hydrates are ice-like, crystalline solids composed of gas and water molecules, whereby the water molecules form a three-dimensional network of defined cages via hydrogen bonds. The cages are stabilized by the inclusion of gas molecules. Gas hydrates form under elevated pressures and at low temperatures if sufficient quantities of gas and water are present. They occur worldwide on continental margins and in permafrost areas, but are also increasingly being used for industrial applications. As part of the ILB-funded joint project "ECO: Efficient CO2 capture from waste gases and coupled treatment of industrial wastewater using gas hydrate technology", a new method for the use of gas hydrates in industrial applications is to be tested. This includes determining the optimum pressure and temperature conditions for hydrate formation, the separation factor for capturing CO2 from industrial waste gas and determining the reduction of pollutants (degree of retention) in the aqueous phase.

Your responsibilities:

• Independent planning and implementation of experiments to determine the above-mentioned parameters
• Analysis of the gas phase and the aqueous phase using Raman spectroscopy, ICP-OES and AAS
• Development of recommendations for the methodical optimization of the set-up and the procedure
• Development of a protocol for the "best practice" based on the experimental results
• Publication of the research results in international journals and at conferences
• Collaboration with the project partner (University of Potsdam)

Your qualifications:

• Master`s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or geosciences with a focus on geochemistry
• Basic knowledge in gas hydrate research
• Experience in assembling experimental setups as well as the systematic planning and independent implementation of experiments in the laboratory
• Knowledge of different analytical methods (e.g. Raman spectroscopy, ICP-OES, AAS)
• Knowledge of handling hazardous substances
• Fluent in English
• German language skills B2

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: 01.07.2025
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to "TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)". The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application (incl. CV, motivation letter and certificates (grades)) by 17th April 2025. Please use our online application form only.

The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

"Diversity in perspectives" is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations. The selection process will involve external partners who will receive the applications. Your personal data will, of course, be treated confidentially and will be communicated to the involved person exclusively for the purpose of evaluating your professional suitability within the framework of this selection procedure. Once the procedure has been completed, the personal data will also be deleted there in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Judith Schicks via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.