Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Organic Isotope Geochemistry

Reference Number

Project Iso-Orbi: Using high-resolution mass spectrometry for simultaneous multi-element stable isotope analysis of fatty acids in a paleoclimate context

The position is part of the Iso-Orbi project, which is funded by GFZ household funds. Stable isotope analysis of individual organic molecules is typically performed by gas chromatographic separation, followed by combustion and mass spectrometry of the resulting gases, where one isotope system is analysed at a time. In this project, the candidate will use high-resolution mass spectrometry to study the compound-specific stable oxygen isotopic composition (d18O) of isolated lipids and to assess the practicality of simultaneously analysing the stable isotope composition of multiple element systems (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen). While a first instrumental method has been established, the candidate will start by refining/improving the latter in parallel to extensive validation of wet-chemical work...