• Microbiology & Ecology
• Earth Sciences and Climate Research

Art der Stelle

State-certified technical assistant (m/f/d) specializing in chemistry

Stellenangebot vom 26.04.2025

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 250 people, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for 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 01.06.2025 we are looking for a State-certified technical assistant (m/f/d) specializing in chemistry in full-time for 2 years temporary.

Background and position description

Several central laboratories of the MPI-BGC carry out long-term measurements of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The position is situated in the Stable Isotope Service Laboratory (BGC-IsoLab) (50%). Here the job holder works in a team of five employees. The main focus of the work is the entire logistics of the air samples, including the management of approx. 5000 sample flasks, the cleaning and repair of the flasks, as well as the communication with all relevant internal and external scientists and measuring stations that require flasks. The other half of the position is in the ICOS Flask and Calibration Laboratory, which carries out measurements on air samples from a European measurement network and supplies around 40 ICOS observatories with reference gases. The ICOS team in Jena comprises 13 employees. Main jobs are conducting gas chromatographic analyses as part of the NUBICOS project and measuring reference gases with laser spectroscopic analysers.

Your tasks

• Logistics coordination of the sample flasks (approx. 5000 flasks)
• Communicating in German and English with internal and external scientists and those responsible for measuring stations
• Testing, cleaning and repairing sample flasks with solvents
• Flask management in the laboratory database (entering and removing flasks, documenting the work steps of the flasks; documentation of incoming samples and shipping Flask management in the laboratory database (entering and removing flasks, documenting work steps of the flasks; documentation of incoming samples; documentation of dispatch)
• Writing and adapting standard operating instructions and procedures (SOPs)
• Support of student assistants
• Performing GC analyses of greenhouse gas concentrations in air samples
• Performing measurements on reference gases with laser spectrometers
• Testing pressurised gas cylinders
• General tasks in the context of ICOS laboratory operations

Your profile

• Successfully completed vocational training as a state-certified technical assistant in the field of chemistry, chemical engineering, laboratory technology or comparable qualifications
• Experience in general analytical chemistry and/or environmental chemistry; experience with gas samples desirable
• Knowledge of MS Office applications
• Good knowledge of written and spoken German and English (at least B2 level each)
• Strong team and communication skills and service orientation
• Initiative and a sense of responsibility
• Very good time and priority management
• A goal-oriented, structured and careful way of working

Our offer

We offer comprehensive on-boarding and training. 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 May 16, 2025, quoting the reference number 09/2025 by e-mail to bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the

Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort “State-certified technical assistant”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena

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!