Environmental Chemistry (m/f/d)

18.12.2024

Environmental Chemistry position (m/f/d)

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

The climate needs bright minds. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) addresses crucial scientific questions in the fields of global change, climate impacts and sustainable development. It is one of the world's leading research institutions in its field and offers natural and social scientists from around the world an inspiring environment for excellent interdisciplinary research.

In the Research Department Earth System Analysis, we are offering an exciting opportunity to be part of the new Planetary Boundary Science Initiative (PBScience). We are offering a

Environmental Chemistry position (m/f/d)

(Position number: 76-2024 Environmental Chemist)

with a special focus on Novel Entities, starting as soon as possible.

Background:

The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and its partners are launching a major project: The Planetary Boundary Science Initiative (PBScience).

PBScience will produce a frequent health check of planet Earth which will advance the common PB framework and which is planned to become a dashboard-style easy-to-access web application. Besides a strong collaboration with numerous renowned external partners, PBScience will directly employ at least 18 scientists at PIK, of which 8 will be situated in a newly established Planetary Boundary Science Lab. This lab will be responsible for conducting and advancing PB assessments by integrating PBScience-wide data as well as leveraging common and modern data analysis techniques.

The successful candidate will be part of the new lab and will play a crucial role in studying the impacts of anthropogenic substances on the environment, particularly focusing on the Novel Entities boundary. This includes analysing the effects of pollutants and chemicals on environmental systems.

Key responsibilities:

The successful candidate will become the expert for the Novel Entity Boundary (i.e. anthropogenic substances that affect the Earth System). The tasks of the position will include:

• Leading the research on the impacts of Novel Entities, including pollutants and anthropogenic chemicals, on the earth system as a whole or on its sub-systems.
• Identifying and testing suitable control variables to measure the impact of Novel Entities on planetary stability, resilience and habitability.
• Developing methodologies to assess the impact of Novel Entities on the earth system.
• Facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations by integrating data across different scientific domains to address complex environmental issues related to planetary boundaries.
• Conducting data analysis using large datasets relevant to PBs, environmental observations, and socio-economic data.
• Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams of scientists, data analysts, and environmental researchers to support comprehensive studies on planetary boundaries.
• Preparing high-quality research papers for peer-reviewed journals, present findings at international conferences, and contribute to public outreach and dissemination of research outcomes.
• Participation in writing research proposals to secure funding for ongoing and future research projects.
• Mentoring graduate students and junior researchers in environmental chemistry and planetary boundary science, providing guidance and support for their research activities.

Requirements:

• A PhD in Environmental Chemistry or a related field.
• Expertise in pollution impacts and the Novel Entities boundary: Proven experience in studying the impacts of pollutants, chemicals, and their effects on the earth system.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with environmental chemistry models.
• Experience in modelling the interactions between atmospheric processes and chemical phenomena
• A solid track record of conducting independent research, with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong coding skills and experience with the analysis of spatiotemporal data (e.g. in a GIS software)
• Expertise in ecotoxicology, environment and health, and pollution impacts on biodiversity is desirable.
• Experience in writing research proposals and securing funding is desirable.

We expect:

• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with scientists, data analysts, and policymakers.
• Reliability, the ability to cope with the challenges of research environments, and a high level of motivation.
• Willingness to mentor graduate students and junior researchers, providing guidance in environmental chemistry and research methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and research findings clearly and effectively.
• High level of proficiency in the English language.
• Willingness to travel for work (project meetings, workshops, etc.) and take part in further training.

We offer:

• the chance to be part of a creative, interdisciplinary team,
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin,
• flexi-time and mobile working (up to 50% of your hours),
• a collective pay scheme and associated benefits as well as a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket Job.

PIK values equality and diversity. We encourage applications without photo. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of ethnic and social origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, care responsibilities, or age. PIK seeks to increase the share of women in scientific positions and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. In cases of equal qualification and within the given legal scope, women will be given preference. PIK also encourages applications by parents returning from parental leave.

If you hold an international higher education qualification, please also submit the Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. In the case that you do not yet have a ZAB Statement of Comparability for your qualification, please be aware that you may need to request this if your application is successful. You can find further information on this website: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html

For further information or to discuss the position please contact Dr. Levke Caesar.