Senior Scientist In Isotope Geochemistry

At GTK, we aim to work for the Earth and for Us. We conduct objective research to find solutions to challenges posed by climate change, the energy transition, and the circular economy. Our 400 experts are specialists in the mineral economy, green energy, water management, the environment, and digital solutions. Together with our Finnish and global partners, we are building a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. GTK is a research organization governed by the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy. www.gtk.fi/en

Senior Scientist in Isotope Geochemistry

The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is looking for an experienced ambitious isotope geochemist to work within the Circular Economy Solutions Unit in our Espoo Research Laboratory, to take advantages of recent and future investment in cutting edge versatile analytical techniques. You will be responsible for developing isotope geochemical methods, analytical workflows, and creative research concepts.

The position will involve working with a wide range of natural and anthropogenic materials, but mainly minerals and water. The most crucial analytical instruments in the position are the MS/MS MC-ICP-MS (NEOMA from Thermo Fisher Scientific) and SF-SC-ICPMS (Nu Instruments), both associated with their own excimer lasers (Teledyne).  In addition to performing analytical work, you will be expected to conduct data interpretation in terms of research applications, data integration, cross-validation, and QA/QC. You will be expected to work on a variety of projects, including externally funded and commercial, and create and lead them as a project manager. You will present the results at conferences, workshops, and business meetings, as well as regularly publish results in high-quality peer-reviewed academic journals. Our GTK laboratory is also equipped with two near metal-free clean rooms. A collaboration with Helsinki university will allow access to an additional picotrace metal free clean room and a new TIMS within the next 2 years. During the next 3 years our GTK laboratory will also invest in a Time of Flight ICP-MS, a femtosecond laser and a new sector field ICP-MS. Our GTK laboratory is currently equipped with multiple cutting-edge analytical tools, which include FE SEM, FE EPMA, XCT scanner, scanning micro-XRF and LIBS, among others.

Education, experience and skills expected of an applicant

• We expect you to have a Ph.D. in geology or geochemistry, with at least 2 years of additional relevant multi-disciplinary post-doctoral level experience
• Your experience is focused on isotopic systems with a good track record in the field and a well-established international network
• A sound knowledge and hands-on experience in the use of isotope systems showing the ability to establish new analytical protocols and techniques based on liquid chromatography and laser ablation mass spectrometry isotopic analysis
• A proven ability to publish scientific articles on Isotope Geochemistry in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• You have an excellent command of spoken and written English

Education, experience and skills that are appreciated

• Experience with the function and maintenance of ICP-MS and laser ablation systems
• Knowledge and interest in topics ranging from ore deposits, geochronology and environmental applications using non-traditional isotopic systems and methodologies
• Experience in liquid chromatography, handling of spikes and data reduction software/coding
• Familiarity and capabilities with other geological analytical techniques, including automated mineralogy, SEM, XRF, XRD, EPMA, LIBS, TOF, TIMS
• Proven competence in research project development, funding acquisition, and day-to-day management

Personal qualities desired from the applicant

You are an adaptable team player, but also take the initiative and work independently on new and highly innovative projects. You should be passionate about learning new things, work well under pressure, and have good prioritization skills so that you can quickly adapt to changes and seize opportunities as and when they arrive. We expect you to be highly innovative and development oriented.

What we offer

GTK is an international and diverse work community where everyone's input is valued. Our employees have the opportunity to influence their own work. At GTK we are determined to renew our operations and expertise. We take care of our employees' well-being with our wide range of activities that support well-being at work. In addition, we offer central government holiday benefits and modern and multi-location work, such as flexible working hours. Find out more about us: www.gtk.fi/en/careers-at-gtk/

Information about pay

The total salary at the beginning of employment will be EUR 4311 - 5226 € per month. The salary is determined by the competence of the person selected for the position.

Security clearance

We may conduct a personal background check on the person selected for the job with the person's consent (security clearance act 726/2014). For more information about the security clearance process and the rights of subjects of background checks, please visit www.supo.fi/en

Other details

The position is permanent. The starting date is 1.8.2024 or by agreement. The position includes a probationary period.

For further information, please contact Head of Unit Marja Lehtonen, marja.lehtonen@gtk.fi, tel. +358 40 8386 999 or Senior Scientist Hugh O'Brien, hugh.obrien@gtk.fi, tel. +358 40 7270 949.

We consciously advance the diversity and equality of our staff, so we encourage many kinds of people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Our internationalising work community is one example of our diversity. 91% of us are Finnish and 9% are non-Finnish.

Please send your application with your motivation letter in English through the valtiolle.fi-service latest on 15.4.2024 at 16:15 (EEST), using service key 3440.

The interviews are scheduled to take place at the beginning of May.

Please note that the names of the applicants and the applications with attachments are public.