Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) | Construction and commissioning of a periphery for an isotope ratio mass spectrometer for the measurement of δ13C- and δ2H-isotopes of methane

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) | Construction and commissioning of a periphery for an isotope ratio mass spectrometer for the measurement of δ13C- and δ2H-isotopes of methane
Scientist
Jena
Microbiology & Ecology
Earth Sciences and Climate Research
Job Code: 12/2026
Job Offer from November 12, 2026
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 25 th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for its 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. Starting from 01.03.2027, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) for the construction and commissioning of a periphery for an isotope ratio mass spectrometer for the measurement of δ
13
C- and δ
2
H-isotopes of methane (m/f/d) in full time, for 3 years, temporary.
Background and position description
Methane is the second most common greenhouse gas emitted by humans, with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 27 times higher than that of carbon dioxide. To better understand the sources and sinks of methane, measurements of its isotopic signatures are essential. The ‘Biogeochemical Signals’ (BSI) department combines atmospheric trace gas analysis with transport modelling to understand regional greenhouse gas budgets and element cycles. To this end, the Stable Isotope Service Laboratory (BGC-IsoLab) carries out high-precision measurements of stable isotopes in greenhouse gases. The focus of the work is on developing an innovative setup for the isotopic analyses of methane from gas samples with variable concentrations. Furthermore, standardization methods will be developed in collaboration with other specialist laboratories. With the support of our teams of experts, you will develop and set up the system, designed for demanding long-term atmospheric observations and samples from the Amazon Tal Tower Observatory (ATTO), commission it and use it for pioneering isotopic analyses to identify regional sources of methane in the Brazilian rainforest region.

Your tasks

Development, construction and commissioning of bespoke peripheral equipment for an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) to measure δ
13
C- and δ
2
H methane isotopes from air samples with variable concentrations
Integration (programming) of the in-house developed peripheral equipment into the IRMS software to automate complex measurement sequences
Development of new standards and standardization processes, as well as the performance validation measurements for quality assurance to ensure the precise measurement of δ
13
C- and δ
2
H methane isotopes
Independent preparation, measurement and evaluation of air samples and measurement data from the ATTO measuring station, as well as overseeing measurement analysis during day-to-day operations
Authoring scientific publications in leading international journals and presenting the results at scientific conferences

Your profile

A successfully completed university degree (masters), including a PhD, in atmospheric sciences, natural sciences or measurement technology (e.g. chemistry, physics, meteorology, earth sciences)
In-depth specialist knowledge of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis, in particular chromatography, mass spectrometry and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS)
Practical experience in development and instrument construction within the field of scientific analysis
Expertise in method development and quality assurance in analytical chemistry and in the operation of analytical measuring instruments
Good programming skills, for example in Python and/or LabView, for instrument control and data processing
Experience in handling trace gas samples is an advantage
A goal-oriented, structured and meticulous approach to work, combined with excellent time and priority management
We are looking for candidates (m/f/d) with the ability to work independently and creatively in a scientific capacity, as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
Fluency in spoken and written English is essential
Knowledge of German (at least B2 level) is an advantage
Our offer
The position is administratively attached to the BGC-IsoLab and the BSI department. The MPG offers a range of part-time training courses for professional development. 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 as names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by
December 31, 2026
, quoting the reference number
12
/2026 by e-mail to bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the
Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort “PostDoc BSI und IsoLab”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena
Germany
We ask that you do not use application folders, but only submit copies, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the application process has been completed. We look forward to receiving your application!