The UFZ
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.
The job
In the PhD cohort “In4Nile” – Advancing Water Quality Information in the Nile River Basin, we offer four PhD Positions. In4NILE addresses the limited availability of water quality information in the Nile basin by developing and applying low-cost sampling techniques, mining of existing open (geo)datasets, exploring the use of unstructured data sources through natural language processing, and by developing basin-scale, multi-pollutant spatially explicit water quality models.
The PhD Position (f/m/x) “Analysis and assessment of chemical pollution under low-capacity settings” involves conducting a case study in the Nile Basin, which includes sampling activities together with local partners, organic micropollutant analyses using high-resolution mass spectrometry, and advanced data evaluation and interpretation. Our vision for this PhD project is to create extensive data on chemical pollution and related risks in (sub-catchments of) the Nile Basin, and – together with the Nile Basin Initiative and local authorities and agencies – assess possibilities for establishing future monitoring programs and potential mitigation measures.
Your tasks
- Testing, validation and improvement when needed of available low-budget sampling techniques in the lab under varying environmental conditions.
- Investigating hydrophilic and hydrophobic organic micropollutants in water and silicone passive samplers from the Nile Basin using liquid/gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/GC-HRMS).
- Assessing (eco)toxicological risks using chemical and hydrological information in the context of environmental and public health.
We offer
- Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
- The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
- The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
- Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
- Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
- A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office
- Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
- Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket
- A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity
Your profile
Required:
- A master degree in Environmental Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, or any related discipline.
- Commitment to field and laboratory work.
- Experience in chemical analysis/other laboratory work.
- Knowledge of statistical methods and data handling, preferably using R.
- Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary, international team.
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Preferred:
- Experience in organic micropollutant analysis in environmental or biological matrices.
- We especially invite candidates from the Nile basin area and other African countries to apply for this position.
Place of work
Leipzig
Working time
65 % (25,35 h / week)
Contract limitations
limited contract / 36 months
Salary
Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.
Contact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Saskia Finckh (saskia.finckh@ufz.de)
Your application
Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.
Diversity and Inclusion
The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.
