The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BUNDESANSTALT FÜR GEOWISSENSCHAFTEN UND ROHSTOFFE, BGR) is searching for a:

to be hired as soon as possible, for the duration of the research project until 29.02.2012.

The position is part of the BGR's contributions to the project eSOTER (Regional pilot platform as EU contribution to a Global Soil Observing System http://www.esoter.net/), financed under the EU 7th Framework Programme.

Responsibilities and duties

• Analysis of existing approaches to classify soil parent material; comparison and harmonization with geological (petrographic and stratigraphic) classifications; communication and coordinating agreements with international project partners
• Compiling and integrating geological and soil-related mapping data in small scales with work areas (Europe, northern Africa, China); comparison and harmonization of the nomenclatures used there
• Development of a GIS-based evaluation and interpretation system to map surface-close lithologies at small scales by using various data sources (geology, soil, geomorphography, remote sensing, vegetation), for example by applying stratification and re-classification; this includes testing and validation in cooperation with national and international project partners

Employment conditions

Applicants should hold a Diploma or MSc degree in a geoscientific discipline with a concentration on soil science and/or geology; PhD is of advantage. The position requires excellent knowledge of parent material classification in soil inventories, and of the description and characterization of the surface-close petrography/lithology. Experience is needed in developing and interpreting Quaternary geological maps, with detailed knowledge of periglacial and Holocene transport processes. The project work relies on a broad range of GIS application skills. Fluency in English language is required, basic knowledge in German or willingness to learn German would be an asset.

The place of work is Hannover. Payment follows E13 or E 14 depending on qualification according to the tariff for public employees (TVöD). BGR is an equal opportunities employer. A full-time position is planned, part-time would be considered.

Please provide us with your application (CV, brief statement of research interests and accomplishments, copies of relevant certificates) referring to "Soil Parent Material" and the application number B 51/09. We kindly ask you to refer to own project results/publications/links which demonstrate your level of experience. Please send your application until the 22.03.2009 to

Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR)
Office Personal Affairs
Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hanover, Germany
katharina.gorski@bgr.de

Information about BGR can be found at www.bgr.bund.de.

For more information, you are welcome to contact rainer.baritz@bgr.de, or by phone +49/511/643-2409.