PhD position at the Helmholtz Zentrum München

Organic micropollutants like pesticides can leach through soil and endanger groundwater. They can be retarded or eliminated through sorption or reaction at biogeochemical interfaces. Compound-specific isotope analysis is an innovative approach to investigate these processes: isotope ratios do not change during transport, but show fractionation during sorption and degradation, due to underlying isotope effects. The advertised position has the goal to systematically investigate sorption isotope effects and compare them with degradation-induced isotope fractionation. Subsequently, isotopic changes of micropollutants will be investigated in soil columns to test the method for applications in natural systems. The project is embedded in the DFG priority program 1315 'Biogeochemical Interfaces in Soil'.

Job Description

- Laboratory experiments to investigate the partitioning of organic contaminants between sorptive surfaces and aqueous solution.

- In parallel, degradation studies

- Measurement of concentrations during sorption/degradation with standard methods (HPLC-UV/VIS, GC-FID, GC-MS)

- Measurement of compound-specific isotope ratios with state-of-the art isotope analysis (GC-IRMS, LC-IRMS)

- Construction of bench-scale soil columns and flow-through experiments

Your Qualifications

- Diploma or master in chemistry or in environmental sciences with major in chemistry

- Strong motivation in environmental processes, in particular the degradation and sorption of groundwater contaminants

- Some knowledge about partitioning processes and their discription with polyparameter LFER (Linear free energy relationships)

- Some experience in Analytical Chemistry, e.g., GC-MS or LC-MS/MS

- Strong interest to work in an interdisciplinary research environment, with strong interactions with hydrologists, microbiologists, etc.

- Strong motivation for the project, as well as to work with others in a team

Our Offer

- Working in an innovative, well- equipped and scientifically stimulating surrounding

- Further training opportunities

- Initial short-term employment contract for three years with a standard public service salary (TVöD EG 13 50 %)

The Helmholtz Zentrum München as holder of the Bavarian Advancement of Women Prize and of

the Total E-Quality Certificate is striving to increase the overall proportion of women on its staff and

thus expressly urges qualified women to apply.

Please send your application via e-mail to:

Dr. Martin Elsner

e-mail: martin.elsner@helmholtz-muenchen.de

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Helmholtz Zentrum München
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
Ingolstädter Landstr. 1
85764 Neuherberg
www.helmholtz-muenchen.de
Aufsichtsratsvorsitzende: MinDir´in Bärbel Brumme-Bothe
Geschäftsführer: Prof. Dr. Günther Wess und Dr. Nikolaus Blum
Registergericht: Amtsgericht München HRB 6466
USt-IdNr: DE 129521671