Discussion journal of the Mössbauer Community

[Catherine McCammon <catherine.mccammon AT uni-bayreuth.de>]

On behalf of my colleague, Stefan Peiffer, I 
would like to draw your attention to the 
following available post-doc position. Please 
forward it to anyone who might be interested.

Postdoc position in Biogeochemistry
"Mössbauer spectroscopy of reactive iron species“

Iron oxides in groundwater play a key role for 
electron transfer reactions and adsorption of 
redox sensitive compounds and thus for the 
overall biogeochemistry in aquifers. Bulk 
properties of solid iron phases have been 
extensively studied using classical mineralogical 
(e.g. XRD) and wet chemical techniques. However, 
surface rather than bulk properties of iron 
minerals control chemical and microbial reactions 
at these minerals. Thus, an in depth 
understanding of the dynamics, chemistry and 
reactivity of reactive species at iron mineral 
surfaces is hampered by limited availability of 
appropriate surface-sensitive and in situ techniques.

In this project we will apply and refine 
Mössbauer spectroscopic methods as a tool for in 
situ characterisation of reactive iron phases, 
especially when present at surfaces or as a minor 
fraction compared to other minerals. 
Specifically, we will focus on iron-sulfur and 
iron-DOM interactions in model systems in the 
presence and absence of microbes. This research 
is the core part of the DFG-funded research unit 
“Electron transfer processes in anoxic aquifers” 
(Forschergruppe “e-TraP”, 
http://www.bayceer.uni-bayreuth.de/fg_ct/) and 
works at the interface of geochemical and microbiological subprojects.

We offer a postdoc position for 2-3 years in a 
stimulating international and interdisciplinary 
environment with numerous opportunities for 
cooperation with geochemists, microbiologists and 
environmental scientists. The working place will 
be at the Center of Applied Geosciences at the 
University of Tübingen in the research groups for 
Environmental Mineralogy and Geomicrobiology 
(http://www.ifg.uni-tuebingen.de/departments/zag/index.html). 
Our laboratories are fully equipped and prove 
access to state of the art facilities for 
geochemical, mineralogical and microbial work 
including a cutting edge Mössbauer system with a Helium-cryostat unit (4.2 K).

Applicants should be experienced in Mössbauer 
spectroscopy with a background in environmental 
sciences and/or geochemistry. Furthermore, 
previous experience with geochemical modelling 
software would be advantageous. Applicants should 
have good communication skills and should be 
highly motivated and committed to pursuing 
interdisciplinary research focusing on 
environmental issues. The salary will be 
according to TVL E13 (100%), start date is 
October 2009 or as soon as possible thereafter. 
The appointment will be arranged by the 
administration of the University of Tübingen. We 
particularly encourage female applicants to apply 
for this position. Disabled persons will be 
preferred in case of equal qualification.

Please send your application by email before 
August 31st (2009) to: Prof. Stefan Haderlein 
(haderlein AT uni-tuebingen.de) and Prof. Andreas 
Kappler (andreas.kappler AT uni-tuebingen.de) as 
well as CC to Prof. Stefan Peiffer (s.peiffer AT uni-bayreuth.de)