Postdoc positions (f_m_x) Numerical modelling and Machine Learning in Space Physics (Geowissenschaftler/in)

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

In Section 4.7 “Earth Surface Process Modelling” (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/section/earth-surface-process-modelling/overview) (Department 4 “Geosystems” (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/geosystems) ), we are looking for a:

Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) “Digital Twin for Critical Zones under Climate Change”

Reference Number 10131

The Critical Zone (CZ) is the thin layer between the upper surface of unweathered rock (i.e., bedrock) and the vegetation's upper boundary, where snow, rock, soil, water, air, and organisms interact. This vital ecosystem functions as Earth's "skin", supporting the diverse biological communities that contribute to the health and sustainability of our planet. This position is part of the new innovation pool project (DT4CZ: Digital Twins for Critical Zone under Climate Changes) funded by the Helmholtz Association. We seek a candidate to build digital twins of the critical zone within catchment scales and assess how anthropogenic climate change impacts the critical zone, especially in cold and alpine regions. We will focus on two sites: Svalbard, Norway, and Illgraben, Switzerland.

The position will be supervised by Dr. Hui Tang from the Earth Surface Process Modelling section at the GFZ (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de) . The candidate will also work with partners from the Alfred Wegener Institute - Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI (https://www.awi.de/en/) , Prof. Dr. Julia Boike), the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ (https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=33573) , Dr. Christian Klassert), and the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences: Agrosphere at Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ (https://www.fz-juelich.de/de) , Daniel Caviedes Voullieme).

Your responsibilities:

- Develop and use coupled numerical models to interpret in-situ and remote sensing data from cold and alpine regions
- Use the model to study how climate extremes affect the hydrological and geomorphological response of critical zones
- Further develop the models as needed to test and validate these concepts and scenarios
- Collaborate with other members of the DT4CZ project from AWI, UFZ and JSC (The Jülich Supercomputing Centre at Forschungszentrum Jülich (https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/ias/jsc/about-us) )
- Interact with other members of the Earth Surface Process Modelling Section at weekly group meetings and in other informal ways
- Present results at scientific meetings and in publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Supervise PhD and Masters students

Your qualifications:

- Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in Earth Sciences, Physics or Mathematics, with evidence of excellence in guided research
- Demonstrated knowledge (and preferably research experience) in geophysics, hydrology, or quantitative geomorphology or geography
- Experience in developing and using numerical models
- Ability to use a programming language such as Python, MATLAB, C, C++ or Fortran
- Experience in machine learning and data sciences
- Proven ability to work in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment
- Creativity and critical thinking skills and the ability to publish, as demonstrated by a record of original and innovative publications (preprints will be considered)
- Capacity for international teamwork and excellent communication skills
- Proficiency in spoken and written English

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years with potential to extend one more year based on performance
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

What we offer:

- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by the 12th February 2025. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de (mailto:[email protected]) , who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de (mailto:[email protected]) .

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

The Helmholtz Centres named above in this job advert, will be involved in the selection procedure. Your personal data will, of course, be treated confidentially and will be communicated to the persons involved in the other Helmholtz Centres exclusively for the purpose of evaluating your professional suitability within the framework of this selection procedure. Once the procedure has been completed, the personal data will also be deleted there in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Hui Tang (mailto:[email protected]) via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/about-us/organisation/facts-and-figures) , we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

For section 3.6 Geomicrobiology (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/section/geomicrobiology/overview) (department “Geochemistry”), we are looking for a:

PhD position (f_m_x) in wetland soil microbial ecology

Reference Number 10116

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate for the newly established Collaborative Research Centre “WETSCAPES2.0” (https://botanik.uni-greifswald.de/experimentelle-pflanzenoekologie/wetscapes2/) funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). WETSCAPES2.0 focuses on the functional understanding of rewetted fens, including coastal peatlands, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (northeastern Germany). For more details about the overarching research questions, specific topics, training program and contact persons please visit http://www.uni-greifswald.de/wetscapes2.

At the GFZ, we are looking for a doctoral researcher in wetland soil microbial ecology with a particular focus on soil microbial methane uptake. A summary of this project (A5) can be found here (https://botanik.uni-greifswald.de/experimentelle-pflanzenoekologie/wetscapes2/our-science/a5/#c3216065) .

Your responsibilities:

- Lead molecular microbial profiling and methane oxidation process rate surveys in Wetscapes2.0 Screening Sites through targeted high throughput sequencing, bioinformatics and statistics (based on in-house bioinformatics and technical support)
- Conduct a seasonal survey of active methane oxidizing taxa and their process kinetics using transcriptomics and enzymatic assays
- Establish and characterize anaerobic methane oxidizing enrichments using batch incubations and a high-end in-house chemostat
- Seek potential proxies for soil methane uptake and its resilience in rewetted temperate fens
- Lead the development of a conceptual and/or statistical model of biogeochemical feedback on soil methane uptake in rewetted temperate fens
- Publish research results in international peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences and project meetings

Your qualifications:

- MSc degree (or equivalent) in Microbial Ecology, Biogeochemistry or related fields
- Practical skills in molecular microbiology (DNA/RNA isolation and downstream analysis)
- Experience in bioinformatics and multivariate statistics
- Strong motivation for wetland soil microbial ecology and biogeochemistry research
- Pronounced communication skills and will for interdisciplinary and international teamwork
- Motivation to develop as a researcher
- Ability for critical and independent thinking
- Proficiency in spoken and written English

Start date: 1st April 2025
Fixed-term: 31st December 2028
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Teilzeit 65% (derzeit 25,35 h/Woche)
Place of work: Potsdam

What we offer:

- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment in microbial ecology and biogeosciences
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application (in addition to cover letter and CV, please also provide one or two references and publications if existing or your master thesis) by 16th February 2025. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz.de (mailto:[email protected]) , who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz.de (mailto:[email protected]) .

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Susanne Liebner (mailto:[email protected]) either via email or phone at +49 (0)331-6264 288 17. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences GFZ invites applications for the

Head of section 1.2 “Global Geomonitoring and Gravity Field” (f_m_x)

Reference Number 10107

The GFZ department “Geodesy (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/geodesy) ” has five independent sections that together advance the goals of the Helmholtz research programme "Changing Earth -Sustaining our Future" and provide important GFZ services and infrastructure within the Modular Earth Science lnfrastructure (MESI). With this call, we are looking for a head of the section 1.2 “Global Geomonitoring and Gravity Field (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/section/global-geomonitoring-and-gravity-field/overview) ” of the department “Geodesy”. The section focuses on the development and operation of infrastructures for gravity field observations on global to local scales and their applications spanning from geodynamic and climatic processes to water budget and hazard monitoring.

Your responsibilities:

The successful candidate will direct and represent the field of physical geodesy at GFZ with a particular focus on the earth’s gravity field and head section 1.2 with its observational facilities. The area of responsibilities will include observation, analysis, modelling, and interpretation of the static and time-variable earth’s gravity field from local to global scales. The future head is expected to advance the section's scientific profile in the Helmholtz research programme as well as within the international geodetic community. This includes significant contributions to

- the development, operation and analysis of geodetic satellite missions,
- the advancement of terrestrial and airborne gravimetry,
- the determination of orbit dynamics and earth system parameters.

Your qualifications:

We expect applications from candidates with outstanding achievements and commitment to research in physical geodesy (PhD required). Established expertise in modern geodetic observation techniques, in the analysis of geodetic monitoring data, as well as their connection with global change is expected. Experience in the planning, coordination and operation of geodetic satellite missions is advantageous. The applicant should be an internationally recognized expert with proven track record of acquiring and managing third party funded projects as well as broad experience in interdisciplinary national/international cooperation. Demonstrated ability to guide a research unit of scientists and technicians with associated observational infrastructure is most welcome. Willingness and capability to develop a gender and diversity strategy for the section is anticipated. The candidate is expected to contribute to the strategic development of the interdisciplinary research programme of the Helmholtz research field “Earth and Environment", to enhance the cooperation within GFZ and with external partners, and to consider this in a scientific concept for the section. Openness to rise to new scientific occasions as well as readiness to participate in projects promoting technology and knowledge transfer are expected.

Start date: 1st June 2025

Duration: Permanent

Salary: An attractive salary commensurate with the position and responsibilities within the framework of the public service remuneration structures (Federal Government) or according to the Federal Remuneration Act (BBesG).
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

What we offer:

- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 16th February 2025. Please use our online application form only.

Application documents should include CV, publication record and a list of third-party funds as well as a research concept for section 1.2. GFZ is aiming to increase the proportion of female colleagues amongst its scientific staff and therefore urges qualified female scientists to apply.

The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz.de (mailto:[email protected]) , who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz.de (mailto:[email protected]) .

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Maik Thomas (mailto:[email protected]) via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

As a partner in Geo.X (https://www.geo-x.net/) , the GFZ has access to an excellent network of other geoscience institutions in Potsdam and Berlin. This largest regional concentration of geoscientific competence in Europe offers first-class cooperation and development opportunities.

For section 1.5 Space Physics and Space Weather (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/section/space-physics-and-space-weather/overview) (department 1 Geodesy (https://www.gfz.de/en/geodesy) ), we are looking for two:

Postdoc positions (f_m_x) Numerical modelling and Machine Learning in Space Physics

Reference Number 10146

The near-Earth space environment is hazardous and poses a significant risk for satellites and humans in space. Currently, there are hundreds of operational commercial satellites with a revenue stream of tens of billions of dollars per year. There are also a number of other satellites that assist in navigation, weather prediction, and telecommunication. Frequent satellite failures caused by space weather have fueled a surge in interest with the specification and prediction of space weather during the last decade.

Our section "Space Physics and Space Weather" is working on understanding of the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment and developing the tools for specification and prediction of the adverse effects of the space environment using models and data assimilation. We study fundamental processes in the near-Earth environment and focus on understanding fundamental processes responsible for the evolution of space radiation. Our research will help safely design and operate satellites and maintain ground networks. In our research, we try to bridge our theoretical studies with high performance computing to develop tools that can be used by engineers.

Your responsibilities:

- Maintain data and code repositories
- Develop real-time visualisation on the website
- Develop various programming tools for scientific codes and data analysis
- Document and test existing codes
- Adopt scientific codes for different scientific problems
- Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
- Write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journals
- Present related studies at international and national conferences
- Write proposals for future projects

Your qualifications:

- Master's degree (or equivalent) and PhD degree in space physics or related natural sciences
- Experience with scientific programming and Unix operating systems
- Experience with various programming languages, including C++, Python and Matlab
- Ability to work with large datasets
- Experience with machine learning, data mining and data assimilation is a plus
- Knowledge of git, docker, kubernetes, and/ or metadata is a plus
- Ability to work within a team
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Start date: 1st March 2025
Fixed-term: 2 Jahre (mit der Option auf Verlängerung)
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Vollzeit (derzeit 39 h/Woche); Die Stelle ist grundsätzlich teilzeitgeeignet.
Place of work: Potsdam

What we offer:

- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application including a letter of motivation, your CV, and your certifactes (grades) by 5th February 2025. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognized as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our representative for the severely disabled at sbv[at]gfz.de (mailto:[email protected]) , who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz.de (mailto:[email protected]) .

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Elodie Kendall (mailto:[email protected]) via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/about-us/organisation/facts-and-figures) , we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

Forsection 2.7 Space Physics and Space Weather (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/section/space-physics-and-space-weather/overview) (department 2: Geophysics (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/geophysics) ), we are looking for a:

PhD position (f_m_x) - Numerical modelling of electron flux decreases during geomagnetic storms

Reference Number 9994

The successful candidate will be working on the RADIANCE project which is a collaboration with the University Braunschweig and IAP funded through the DFG framework.

Section 2.7 Space Physics and Space Weather is working on understanding the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment and developing tools for specification and prediction of the adverse effects of the space environment utilizing satellite observation, machine learning, as well as physics-based models and data assimilation. Our research will help with the design and operation of safe satellites and maintenance of ground networks. Our research tries to bridge theoretical studies with high-performance tools that can be used in science, predictions, and applications.

Your responsibilities:

The successful candidate should have extensive experience in scientific programming. Job responsibilities will include:

- Perform data processing and analysis
- Perform numerical simulations to investigate the effect of various loss mechanisms on the radiation belt electrons in the Earth’s inner magnetosphere
- Maintain data and code repositories
- Develop scientific visualizations of the results
- Document and test existing codes
- Adopt scientific codes for different scientific problems
- Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
- Attend scientific meetings, including international conferences, and present the results
- Write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journals
- Collaborate with University Braunschweig and IAP with the framework of the DFG funded RADIANCE project

Your qualifications:

- MSc in space physics, physics, computer sciences, geophysics, mathematics, or related natural sciences
- Experience in processing and analyzing satellite data
- Ability to work with large data sets
- Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming
- Advanced knowledge of the programming languages, such as Python, Matlab, IDL, Fortran, C++
- Knowledge of Unix system
- Experience in developing numerical codes
- Ability to work within a team
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

What we offer:

- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 3 Jahre
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Teilzeit 75% (derzeit 29,25 h/Woche)
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application including your CV, a letter of motivation and your certificates by 15th January 2025. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de (mailto:[email protected]) , who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de (mailto:[email protected]) .

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Elodie Kendall (mailto:[email protected]) via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

For the ERC funded project RockDeath (Role of Fluids in rock deformation and the earthquake cycle) in section 4.2 “Geomechanics and Scientific Drilling” (Department 4 “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:

Postdoctoral researcher – Experimental rock deformation (f_m_x)

Reference Number 9263

The aim of the project “RockDeath“ is to identify and quantify the coupled mechanical, hydraulic and chemical processes occurring across the lithosphere, from slow creep to rapid earthquake slip, and determine the role played by fluids on deep and shallow seismicity, slow slip, and long-term evolution of plate boundaries.

The postholder will advance part of this research programme by conducting rock deformation experiments aimed to constrain hydro-mechanical properties of rocks and fault zone materials under upper crustal conditions. The experimental plan includes the use and further development of innovative laboratory and data analysis techniques to determine the coupling between fluid pressure and rock deformation.

Your responsibilities:

- Design and conduct laboratory rock deformation experiments
- Use existing and if necessary develop new tools to analyse the data
- Maintain and if necessary develop laboratory equipment as needed
- Prepare and present findings of research activities to colleagues
- Publish results in peer reviewed journals
- Present scientific and technical results and products at international conferences

Your qualifications:

- PhD (or thesis submitted subject to examination) and Master's degree in Earth Sciences with focus on rock deformation, rock physics or fault mechanics
- Breadth of knowledge in rock physics (e.g., friction laws, fluid flow, fracture mechanics)
- Experience in experimental rock physics or rock deformation techniques
- A track record of publication(s) in the peer-reviewed literature in a relevant branch of the physical sciences
- Experience with quantitative data analysis techniques (e.g., inverse methods) - preferred, but not essential

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,500 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

For the Volcano monitoring group in section 2.1 "Physics of Earthquakes and Volcanoes"(department “Geophysics”), we are looking for a motivated scientist:

PostDoc (f_m_x) – Expert on volcano photogrammetry and volcano-tectonics

Reference Number 9374

This position is part of the “ROTTnROCK” working group, a synergy project funded by the European Research Council. Candidates with expertise in the subject fields – remote sensing and volcano physics– are encouraged to apply. The position will be funded and also covers funds for computer power, field works, visiting conferences and workshops, and publication charges. By using innovative geospatial records and data science the candidate shall quantify the intensity, type, and spatial gradation of hydrothermal alteration.

Your responsibilities:

- Analysing satellite data of volcanoes (using tristereo, radar, hyperspectral sensors) and compare alteration vs topography vs deformation over the last years and decades (using archive satellite data)
- Use small unoccupied aircraft systems that you will modify to carry miniature sensors. Data will be processed using computer vision concepts such as point cloud matching, image correlation and structure-from-motion (SfM) workflows, and morphology be studied using offset and change detection.
- Working on machine learning and/or classification and mineral mapping approaches, in order to quantify dimensions and controls of hydrothermal alteration
- Developing of 4D digital representations of volcanoes, including independent (geophysical) records
- Close collaboration with the rock mechanical labs, petrology labs and numerical modelling labs of partner institutes
- Strongly support MSc and PhD student activities on drone and hyperspectral surveying methods, monitoring the alteration sites and develop methods for tracing and linking alteration and structural/geomorphological changes at volcanoes
- Independently plan field expeditions in Greece, Iceland, Indonesia and elsewhere

Your qualifications:

- MSc (or equivalent) and PhD in Earth Science, with a focus on volcanotectonics and remote sensing
- Proven interest in volcanology
- Experience on using drones for change detection and pixel offset
- Experience on linking remote sensing and process modelling
- Experience 3D object reconstruction, structure from motion and point cloud analysis
- Experience in combining optical, thermal and spectral band information
- Experience in image classification
- Experience in machine learning and/or principal component analysis
- Experience in using stereo optical, hyperspectral and SAR satellite imagery (e.g., Pleiades, EnMAP, TerraSAR-X)
- Understanding of volcano processes and specifically volcano slope instability
- Ability to plan to conduct independent field work
- Drone pilot license is advantageous (level A1/A3)
- Good written and oral skills in English

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,500 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

For the Volcano monitoring group in section 2.1 "Physics of Earthquakes and Volcanoes" (department “Geophysics”), we are looking for a motivated:

PhD (f_m_x) Volcano faulting and interaction with hydrothermal alteration

Reference Number 9378

This doctoral position is part of the “ROTTnROCK” working group, a synergy project funded by the European Research Council. Candidates with expertise in the subject fields – structural geology, geophysics – are encouraged to apply. The position will be funded for the entire duration of the PhD programme, which is 36 months, and also covers funds for computer power, field works, visiting conferences and workshops, and publication charges.

Your responsibilities:

We are seeking applications for a doctoral project that aims to better understand the role of hydrothermal alteration during the evolution and dynamics of volcanoes. Faults developing at volcanoes associated with calderas, pit craters, flank instability, dike intrusions and regional tectonics are considered.

- You will explore the two-way relationship between alteration and faulting: What is the exact location of hydrothermal alteration that occurs at faults crossing volcanoes, and is faulting influenced by alteration due to weakening and permeability changes?
- You will work with drone and remote sensing techniques at selected calderas and ring faults.
- You will map the topography, geomorphology and structures, carry out field studies to determine alterations with optical, thermal and hyperspectral sensors, and study the structural control of alteration.

Your qualifications:

- MSc (or equivalent) in Earth Sciences (Geophysics, Geology)
- Proven interest and knowledge in volcanology
- Knowledge in structural geology and geophysics
- Knowledge in remote sensing, photogrammetry and computer vision
- Interest in 3D object reconstruction, classification, and machine learning
- Ability to plan to conduct independent field work
- Drone pilot license is advantageous (level A1/A3)
- Fluent in English