The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 230 people, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life.
We are looking for an Engineer (m/f/d), 2 years, fulltime, possible extension.
Background and position description
MPI-BGC is hosting one of the Central Analytical Laboratories of the Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS), a European Research Infrastructure. ICOS is the European part of a global GHG observation system. The Jena Laboratory is responsible for reference standards for continuous atmospheric measurements at ICOS observatories and for performing high precision greenhouse gas analysis of air samples. The measurement data thus generated contributes to the understanding of greenhouse gas balances.
Your tasks
- high precision trace gas measurements using gas chromatography
- method development and optimization for trace gas analysis, implementation of new techniques
- elaboration of automatable data processing chains
- ensuring the lab operability (involving i.a. instrument maintenance and handling of heavy compressed gas cylinders)
Your profile
- graduate degree in environmental engineering / chemistry / technical physics or similar
- experienced in precise measurements and trouble-shooting of analysers (favourably with backgrounds in gas chromatography and greenhouse gas analysis)
- experienced in development and setting up of analytical techniques
- data processing skills (MS Office, Linux incl. commad line interface); beneficial are experience in handling of data bases and programming skills (e.g. LabView)
- collaborative team player within a small team
- systematic and independent method of working
- communication skills in German and English (in spoken and written)
Our offer
We provide an exciting work environment in a small team of 12 people in a state-of-the-art laboratory. The job in our research institution involves international cooperation and offers attractive working conditions (e.g. flexible work time). The place of work is located in central town in direct vicinity to the stations and can easily be reached by public transport. Part-time work is generally possible. The position will be evaluated and graded following the collective agreement according to TVöD Bund; in addition, we will provide a pension plan based on the public service (VBL).
The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all fields. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.
Your application
Are you interested? Please send us your application with cover letter, curriculum vitae as well a s names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by e-mail to bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the
Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort “32/2022”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena
by 28 Aug 2022, quoting the reference number 32/2022. We kindly ask you not to submit copies of your application documents only, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after completion of the application procedure. We look forward to receiving your application!