Postdoc position: " Organic Geochemistry" (36 months)

The Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB) of NIOZ is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to develop proxies based on hydroxylated GDGTs. 

Job description 

The department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry is looking for a postdoc to carry out investigations in hydroxylated GDGTs as proxies for paleoclimate reconstruction. The candidate must be familiar with organic geochemical pipelines and instrumentation (UHPLC-HRAM-MS as well as GC-MS) and possess an excellent track record of lipid identification and dealing with analytical challenges. Furthermore, the candidate has documented skills in writing and publishing papers within set deadlines. The project will serve as a starting point to develop new research lines related to biomarker proxies and establish new collaborations. The position will start at the latest May 1st 2025 and will run for 36 months. 

ROYAL NIOZ 

NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the Dutch national oceanographic institute and principally performs academically excellent multidisciplinary, fundamental, and frontier applied marine research addressing important scientific and societal questions pertinent to the functioning of the ocean and seas. NIOZ includes the National Marine research Facilities (NMF) department that operates a fleet of research vessels and the national pool of large seagoing equipment, and supports excellence in multidisciplinary marine research, education, and policy development. 

THE DEPARTEMENT 
The Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB) investigates the composition and functioning of microbial communities in environments ranging from the deep sea to large lake systems. Within this department a subgroup of organic geochemists is developing novel (analytical) tools to analyze the (isotopic) composition of fossilized molecules as information carriers of past climates and environments.

THE PROJECT 

Recent research has demonstrated that hydroxylated GDGTs have the potential to provide valuable information about past environments but also have raised a number of issues. In this project we want to constrain the potential of these compounds, but also other, related, compounds to serve as paleoclimate proxies. For this we will examine the molecular composition of microbial biomass, suspended particulate matter, surface sediments and sediment cores, in particular those obtained from high-latitude regions. This analysis will primarily be done using UHPLC-(HRAM) MS as well as GC-MS.

THE CANDIDATE 
 

·       A PhD in organic geochemistry or analytical chemistry (mass spectrometry). The degree must have been awarded prior to May 1st 2025. 

·       Documented skills in writing and publishing papers in international journals within set deadlines.

·       The candidate should possess a strong background in analytical chemistry and independent problem-solving capacities in dealing with analytical challenges.

·       Ambition to develop new research lines and documented skills in establishing new collaborations.

·       Demonstrated skills in statistics and mass spectral interpretations.

·       The preferred candidate is able to deal with project challenges as well with the geographically isolated nature of the host institute.

 
We want to be a transparent institute with a healthy working climate and an inclusive culture, where people from diverse backgrounds and gender bring their talents and further develop these talents. We aim for inclusive decision-making processes and expect our leadership to show visible commitment, awareness of bias, and cultural intelligence.

CONDITIONS 

·                Employment of this full-time position at Royal NIOZ is by NWO-I 

·                Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 10.  

·                338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week. 

·                Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%.  

·                Telephone allowance of €15 per month, prorated for your employment. 

·                2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%. 

·                Employment benefits plan to exchange a portion of your salary for days off or vice versa, or can be used to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits. 

·                We offer relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad.  

MORE INFORMATION 
For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Stefan Schouten (stefan.schouten@nioz.n). For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to working@nioz.nl 

Closing date for applications: February 2nd, 2025. Online pre-interviews are foreseen in February 2025, and selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews at NIOZ on Texel in February 2025.