SEM lab-manager with teaching responsibilities

About us:

Due to the upcoming retirement of the current lab-manager, we are seeking a young and motivated person to join us on a defined overlap period. The position is embedded within the Structural Geology/Tectonics group and has associated research and teaching responsibilities. The position is initially for three years, but there is an option for it to become extended following a positive evaluation of the candidate's performance.

Many of the major societal challenges of the next 50 years-such as climate change, resource supply, and natural disasters-require expertise in Earth sciences. The Institute of Geology conducts basic research on the formation and evolution of the Earth, as well as applied research in the areas of natural hazards, raw material/ energy transition and waste management. Planet Earth is our laboratory -become a part of it!
Many of these research topics build on quantitative analysis of solid-state materials – such as rocks. The Institute of Geological Sciences is renowned for this approach and has several laboratories equipped with a wide range of versatile analytical instruments. One of these facilities is the laboratory for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which runs a ZEISS SIGMA 560VP FEG-SEM equipped with high-end BSD, SE and In-lens detectors as well as an up-to-date Oxford-instruments EDS/EBSD system and a DELMIC CL detector. The laboratory is open to projects within the Institute and other institutes/faculties at the University of Bern, but also for national and international collaborations in fundamental and applied research.

Your tasks:

•Teaching theory of microbeam analysis and practical training at the SEM at MSc and PhD level.
•Supporting SEM users with their SEM-related research tasks from high-resolution imaging to EBSD to mapping of different signals.
•Maintenance of the SEM facility including simple servicing tasks as well as excellent communication skills when liaising with technicians in the event of more severe technical problems.
•Conducting your own research projects including acquisition of project funding from research agencies and industry.
•Since this position is closely associated to the group of Structural Geology/Tectonics, a strong background in this field in both research and teaching activities is desired.

Selection criteria:

• A PhD degree in Earth Sciences or a related discipline.
• Profound theoretical background and experience in the practical use and application of scanning electron microscopy (ideally including EDS, EBSD and CL applications).
• Teaching experience.
•The ability to collaborate and communicate with SEM users and technicians from a broad range of disciplines, and contribute positively to the institute's activities.
•An innovative research proposal.
•Physical presence during core working hours
•German language skills, or the ability to reach an advanced level within the evaluation period