The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state government. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry and geophysics thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.
Master Thesis in in chemistry or environmental sciences - Evaluation of analysis data of a laser (QCL) infrared imaging microscope for quantification of microplastics in ice core samples
Background
Microplastics (MP) are ubiquitous and considerable quantities can even be detected in the Arctic. Ice core samples taken during the MOSAiC expedition were recently analyzed by µFTIR analysis. However, current analyses are slow. Hence, we reanalyzed these samples using a new (QCL) high-speed infrared imaging microscope (Lumos II Ilim). We now need to compare both datasets to evaluate the accuracy of the data generated by the QCL microscope.
We are looking for one Master student in chemistry or environmental sciences (f/m/d/x) to evaluate analysis data of a laser (QCL) infrared imaging microscope for quantification of microplastics in ice core samples.
Your Tasks
As part of the master's thesis, in silico analyses of large datasets generated by two FTIR microscopes will be performed by using chemometrics and statistics.
Your Profile
- enrolled at an University
- brief knowledge in “R” and/or “Python” is recommended
Further Information
The place of employment will be Helgoland, 27498.
Start: as soon as possible
You are interested?
For more information or questions regarding the project, please contact Dr Gunnar Gerdts (gunnar.gerdts@awi.de) and Dr Sebastian Primpke (sebastian.primpke@awi.de)
Please forward your applications with the standard documentation (cover letter with motivation, CV) by 30 November 2026 to: Dr Gerdts (gunnar.gerdts@awi.de) or Dr Primpke (sebastian.primpke@awi.de)
