We are inviting applications for a PhD student within the DFG Research Training Group GRK 1257 Alteration and element mobility at the microbe-mineral interface (http://www.gk-alteration.uni-jena.de/). The student will perform his/her work in the Department of Mineralogy of the Institute of Geosciences at the University of Jena in Germany. The Institute of Geosciences in Jena is a dynamic, growing unit with a number of large, interdisciplinary projects running at the moment.

The topic of the PhD project is the weathering of primary ore sulfides in waste dumps and tailing ponds; identification of the minerals formed and tracing of the geochemical pathways of the elements involved in the transformations.

Our candidate will be: 1) a motivated, active researcher in geosciences or a related field, 2) willing to interact with and bring benefits to an interdisciplinary group of microbiologists and geoscientists, 3) willing to learn and apply new methods, 4) fluent in scientific English. The knowledge of German language is not required.

Applicants should hold a Diploma, Master or equivalent degree in mineralogy, geochemistry, environmental sciences, materials sciences, or a related discipline. Female and male candidates are equally invited to apply. Employment will be initially for 1 year, with a possibility of an extension for another 2 years.

Applicants should submit letter of application, CV, and addresses of 2-3 potential referees to Prof. Juraj Majzlan, Institute of Geosciences, Burgweg 11, D-07749 Jena, Germany (paper copy by mail or single pdf-file by e-mail to juraj.majzlan@uni-jena.de). Evaluation of applications will start on January 1, 2012 and continue until the position is filled. The expected starting date is April 1, 2012.