SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE JENA

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Job Offer from July 13, 2022

The isoTROPIC Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology (formerly known as Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History), in Jena, Germany is pleased to announce a new open vacancy for a technician in Stable Isotope Analysis and Mass Spectrometry. This permanent position will be based in Jena.

The isoTROPIC Research Group is a permanent Max Planck Independent Research Group opened at the former Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in 2022. Headed by Dr. Patrick Roberts, it uses multidisciplinary archaeological, historical, biochemical, palaeoenvironmental, and remote-sensing approaches to study the human past in the tropics. It hosts a state-of-the-art mass spectrometry laboratory which applies innovative stable isotope approaches to study past human diets, environments, and mobility, both within the tropics and more generally, with projects ranging from Pleistocene Arabia to Medieval Spain. The laboratory applies bulk approaches to a variety of archaeological materials (teeth, bones, charred plants, sediments), as well as compound-specific analysis of plant wax biomarkers from sediments.

Candidate tasks

The successful candidate will play a central role in the day-to-day running of the isotope laboratory as well as operation of our Mass Spectrometers, ensuring high-quality analyses and high sample throughput. They should be keen to assist with ambitious research projects and able to work diligently, meet deadlines, and assist students and researchers in using equipment in the laboratory.

Previous practical experience with the running and maintenance of Mass Spectrometers for isotope analysis is an absolute requirement. Candidates should be able to assist with:

1. Day-to-day operation and upkeep of our Mass Spectrometers including a Thermo DELTA V Advantage Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer coupled to an elemental analyzer, a Thermo DELTA V Advantage Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer coupled to a Gas Bench II Interface, an Agilent GC-MSD and an Elementar isoprime visION GC-C-irMS system.
2. Overseeing the entire pipeline for archaeological and palaeoenvironmental isotope analysis, from sampling to pretreatment to analysis.
3. Supporting PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in developing lab-based and Mass Spectrometry skills.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Bachelor degree in biochemistry, biology or similar.
• Theoretical knowledge of Mass Spectrometry.
• Practical experience running and maintaining Mass Spectrometers including one or more those mentioned specifically above.
• Experience working in a wet chemistry lab through completion of study or training.
• Experience in an academic/research environment.
• Interest in data quality assurance and best laboratory practices.
• Commitment and responsibility while working with research material.
• Ability and interest in teaching and supporting student assistants, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in lab work.
• Strong knowledge of written and oral English.

Advantageous:

• Knowledge of isotopic approaches to researching the human past.
• Previous experience working with archaeological materials.
• Previous experience as a laboratory technician.
• Work with both ‘bulk’ and compound-specific isotope analyses.
• Knowledge of written and oral German.

What we offer

We offer a unique opportunity to develop cutting edge research in the city of Jena that is renowned for its position at the intersection of Biogeochemical, Ecological, and Archaeological research. The Max Planck Society promotes these multidisciplinary connections and this position offers the candidate the possibility of making the most of such networks and to be a part of novel isotopic approaches to the study of the human past. The candidate will also have the opportunity to work closely with members of the Institute beyond the isoTROPIC Research Group, including within the Department of Archaeology.

The position will ideally begin on the 1^st of October 2022 though some flexibility in start date is possible. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. We are also committed to encouraging diversity and actively challenging biases based on gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and other components of identity.

The Max Planck Society is supporting the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the “berufundfamilie” (“job and family”) audit.

Renumeration will follow the public service pay scale (TVöD) up to salary group 11, according to the candidate’s qualifications and experience. In addition, social benefits are offered as per the regulations of the German Civil Service, f.e. occupational pension and subsidies for public transport.

The full-time position can also be shared equally by two people with 50% working time each.

How to apply

Please submit your application (which should include a cover letter, CV of no more than 3 pages, list of experience and publications, and any relevant certificates) by August the 12th. You are also required to submit two references which are also due by August the 12th. Please submit your application as a single pdf file in English via our application portal.

For more information, contact Dr. Patrick Roberts at roberts@shh.mpg.de