Jens Hefter

Dr. Jens Hefter is an Organic Geochemist at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Bremerhaven, Germany. His primary affiliation is within the Marine Geochemistry department, specializing in paleoenvironmental and paleoclimate reconstructions using biomarkers. He leads the Organic Geochemistry laboratory, managing advanced analytical facilities including GC-FID, GC-MS, and HPLC-MS systems. His research focuses on understanding carbon cycle dynamics, particularly the role of ancient organic matter in marine systems, and the application of novel geochemical proxies like fast-GC/TOF-MS for paleoclimate studies. Key interests include Arctic and Antarctic climate change, sea ice dynamics, and the mobilization of permafrost-derived carbon during deglaciation events. Hefter has contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work emphasizing the impact of modern environmental shifts on Arctic ecosystems and historical carbon fluxes.

• Education: Doctorate in Geochemistry (university details unspecified)
• Key Projects: MOSAiC expedition, Permafrost Thaw studies, Fram Strait Atlantification analysis
• Grants: Multiple DFG and EU-funded projects in paleoclimatology and biogeochemistry

His work bridges field observations, laboratory analysis, and modeling to address global carbon cycle questions, with a focus on high-latitude regions' sensitivity to climate change.