PhD student (f_m_x) - Gas Hydrates in Climate Change

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 student (f_m_x) - Gas Hydrates in Climate Change

Reference Number 10547

Systematic investigations on the effect of sediments on the decomposition behaviour of natural gas hydrates in response to global warming.

Gas hydrates are ice-like, crystalline solids composed of gas and water molecules. The water molecules form a three-dimensional network of defined cages via hydrogen bonds, which are stabilised by the inclusion of gas molecules. In natural gas hydrates, methane is the predominant gas molecule. However, due to global warming, the pressure and temperature conditions in the vicinity of gas hydrates are changing, leading to their decomposition and thus the release of climate-active methane. This poses both scientific and environmental challenges: how do sediment composition and pore water chemistry influence their breakdown?

As a doctoral researcher, you will investigate these dynamics using samples from global locations like the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Black Sea. Through laboratory analysis and advanced techniques, your work will help uncover the role gas hydrates play in our changing climate.

Your responsibilities:

• Independent planning and conducting of experiments to determine the decomposition kinetics of natural gas hydrate samples as a function of sediment type and pore water composition
• Use high-resolution tools like Raman spectroscopy, microscopy, and XRD to study samples
• Publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals and at conferences
• Collaborate with leading researchers at MARUM, your contribution will be valued and visible

Your qualifications:

• Completed university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Chemistry or Geosciences with a focus on Geochemistry (Master's level)
• Basic knowledge of gas hydrate research
• Experience in setting up experimental setups and in the systematic planning and independent execution of experiments in the laboratory
• Knowledge of various analytical methods (e.g., Raman spectroscopy, XRD)
• Knowledge of handling hazardous materials
• Basic knowledge of measurement technology and data acquisition
• Good English skills in spoken and written communication

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 a day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date:1st October 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 (CV, motivation letter, references) by 27th July 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. For any 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 based on 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 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 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 +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.