Biogeochemistry Dr. Jonas Hädeler

Scientific Career and Education:

• since 04/2025: Research assistant at the Institute of Geosciences, Heidelberg University, Biogeochemistry Research Group
• 02/2021- 03/2025: PhD student in the research group for Biogeochemistry (Institute of Earth Sciences, Heidelberg University); Dissertation: Natural abiotic iron-mediated formation of C1 and C2 compounds from environmentally important methyl-substituted substrates and their implication for nature
• 10/2014-12/2017: Master of applied geoscience at Technical University Darmstadt (Focus on Hydrogeochemistry and Engineering geology); Masterthesis: Methodenentwicklung zur Untersuchung des Denitrifikationspotenzials in Sedimenten- Schwerpunkt: Nitratabbau in Batchexperimenten mit norddeutschen Sedimenten
• 10/2010-09/2014: Bachelor of applied geoscience at Technical University Darmstadt; Bachelorthesis: Polyzyklische aromatische Kohlenwasserstoffe (PAK) im Boden im Rheintal zwischen Bingen und Koblenz 

Professional career:

• 01/2017-12/2020: Work as an engineer and hydrogeologist at Institut für Angewandte Geologie und Umweltanalytik
• 11/2015-01/2017: Work as a working student at Institut für Angewandte Geologie und Umweltanalytik
• 11/2013-07/2015 Work as a working student at Geoteam Brill
• 05/2010-10/2013 Work as a disability assistant at CBF Darmstadt
• 08/2009-05/2010 Civil service at CBF Darmstadt; Care for disabled schoolchildren

Research focus:

The abiotic formation of methanol, formaldehyde, methane, and other C1 and C2 compounds from precursor compounds with heterobonded methyl groups, especially from methoxy compounds like lignin. I apply stable isotopes to identify the underlying reaction mechanisms and transfer this knowledge to natural environments, especially soils.

Analytical experience:

• GC-FID
• GC-BID
• GC-MS (quadropol, ion trap, and time of flight)
• GC-IRMS (with preconcentration unit)
• NIS (total carbon analyser)
• IC