GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: "Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

To complement the various research foci in the Interface Geochemistry team, we are looking for a:

Reference Number 10575

We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic mineralogist, geologist, or environmental (geo)chemist interested in the recovery of critical raw materials from abandoned mining residues—specifically phosphogypsum, a prime waste by-product from industrial fertiliser production. The recovery of critical elements from such legacy mine wastes is a potential avenue for recycling critical elements needed for the industries of the future.

The current PhD project aims to experimentally investigate the reaction pathways that regulate the mineralogical and geochemical evolution of phosphogypsum mine residues and to identify mechanisms by which critical elements can be enriched or recovered, ultimately contributing to circular economy solutions for the raw materials sector.

The selected candidate must have a solid background in mineralogy, environmental chemistry or geochemistry, and ideally prior experience in analytical approaches (e.g., X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, electron microprobe, or spectroscopy) relevant to trace element quantification.

She/he/they will join an interdisciplinary team addressing questions related to mineral formation and transformation processes in Earth surface systems. The selected candidate will work closely with other students and postdocs in the Interface Geochemistry team and be registered as a PhD student at the Freie Universität Berlin.

Your responsibilities:

• Determine the distribution, partitioning and molecular-level bonding characteristics of critical elements (e.g., rare earth elements) within phosphogypsum wastes
• Design and conduct phosphogypsum transformation experiments and follow the solid state and aqueous partitioning of critical elements
• Identify the key parameters that promote or inhibit such transformations, with a focus on reaction kinetics and mineralogical pathways
• Collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds in the Interface Geochemistry team
• Publish in international peer-reviewed journals
• Present research results at scientific meetings

Your qualifications:

• MSc degree in mineralogy, environmental (geo)chemistry, geosciences, inorganic chemical or material sciences
• Documented hands-on experience in laboratory experimental procedures (e.g., wet lab skills)
• Hands on skills in solid material characterization (e.g., diffraction, imaging or spectroscopy) is an advantage
• Solid background in reaction kinetics, ideally with mineralogical or environmental applications
• Experience in inorganic chemical/mineral synthesis are an asset
• Proficiency in spoken and written English. German is an asset, not a must
• Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus