In the Helmholtz research program “Changing Earth – Sustaining our Future” of the Research Field Earth and Environment, seven Helmholtz Centers (AWI, FZJ, GEOMAR, GFZ, Hereon, KIT, UFZ) are collaborating to gather deep insights into the complex relationships between the processes that take place on our planet. They are pooling their competencies to research the natural foundations of life in a systemic approach, from the land surface to the oceans and to the Polar Regions. For only with sound knowledge of the Earth system, with innovative technologies and strategic approaches and recommendations for politics the path to a sustainable future is possible.
Within the framework of this program, the project “P-LEACH: Impacts on ecosystem functions and human health by environmental plastics and associated chemicals”, is one of four “innovation pool projects”. These serve to strengthen the cooperation between the centers, to promote innovative ideas of young scientists, and to provide flexibility in dealing with current, socially relevant themes.
The project P-LEACH which aims to study the effects of chemicals from globally increasing environmental plastic pollution on ecosystem functions and human health, invites applications for 2 positions as Post Doc (f/m/d).
Position 1: Analysis of micro- and plastics formed by environmental plastics
(Chemistry)
Position 2: Physiology and metabolomics of bivalves (Biology) (link)
Background and Tasks
Since the 1950’s the increasing production of plastics resulted in a progressive accumulation of plastic litter in the oceans with manifold consequences for marine life. Plastics impact ecosystems as a new habitat for colonization (“plastisphere”), and weathering leads to fragmentation towards micro and nano sized particles as well as leaching of chemicals, including harmful additives (e.g., plasticizers, bisphenols, metals). Such sized particles and plastic-associated chemicals have frequently been highlighted as (eco)toxicologically important compounds, but have not been adequately addressed. Our multidisciplinary consortium will jointly characterize these pollutants, identify harmful chemicals and investigate their synergistic impacts on ecosystem functions.
Within in the project the emissions of micro-, sub-micro- and nanoplastics from plastic litter from mesocosms simulating different environmental transport pathways and endpoints of large items shall be investigated. Within this scope it shall be determined which sizes and shapes are formed for these various conditions. Moreover, the weathering state of the materials shall be determined and investigated with environmental parameters collected during the mesocosmn experiments. Additional, selected samples from River Elbe, German Bight and North Sea shall be investigated for the presence of such particles.
Requirements
- PhD in chemistry
- Experience in AFM microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy
- Excellent team work capabilities in a multidisciplinary team
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Willingness of mentoring students (Master, PhD)
- Publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences
Desirable skills and experience in
- Experience in polymer science
- Experience in mirco- and nanoplastic analysis
- Experience in statistical data analysis
Further Information
Please contact Dr. Gunnar Gerdts (Gunnar.Gerdts@awi.de; +49(4725)819-3245) for further information.
This is a full-time position, limited to 3 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13. The place of employment will be Helgoland.
Postdocs have to register with AWI’s postdoc office PROCEED, thereby gaining access to a set of tailor-made career development tools.
The AWI is characterised by
- our scientific success – excellent research
- collaboration and cooperation – intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
- opportunities to develop – on the job, aiming at other positions and beyond AWI
- a culture of reconciling work and family – an audited and well-supported aspect of our operation
- our outstanding research infrastructure – ships, stations, aircraft, laboratories and more
- an international environment – everyday contacts with people from all over the world
- having an influence – fundamental research with social and political relevance
- flat hierarchies – facilitating freedom and responsibility
- exciting science topics, with opportunities also in technology, administration and infrastructure
Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of female employees and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply.
Disabled applicants will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.
The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement.
We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application with the standard documentation (cover letter with motivation, CV, certificates and two references / letters of recommendation) by November 15th 2021, exclusively online.
Reference number 21/182/G/Bio-b.