Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Space Geodesy

Academics; Potsdam; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 66,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Public service benefits

Flexible working hours

On-site day-care

Job summary

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) in the Space Geodesy domain. The role focuses on integrating ring laser, VLBI and LLR data to better determine Earth rotation parameters and lunar ephemerides, working within the RING project team.

The successful candidate will develop multi‑technique software, conduct simulations, and collaborate across GFZ, IfE, and TU Berlin.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in space geodesy, space engineering, geophysics or related fields.
• Programming skills in MATLAB, Python, Fortran.
• Understanding VLBI analysis and its main products (ICRF and EOP).
• Knowledge of VLBI signal processing, automation/batch processing and simulation.
• Very good command of spoken and written English.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply a multi‑technique combination software for ring laser, LLR and VLBI observations at the normal equation level, ensuring consistency across techniques.
• Determine the full set of five EOP from the combined data analysis.
• Determine the most accurate Lunar Ephemerides – extragalactic frame tie.
• Develop and perform EOP prediction considering ring laser and space geodesy data.
• Consider data gaps to minimise effects on the combination.
• Explore improvements of parameters common to ring laser, VLBI and LLR, including fundamental physics and relativistic parameters.
• Design and conduct simulations of multiple ring lasers and quantify their effects on the target parameters.

Skills

Very good English

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in space geodesy or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Fortran

Job description

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of geosciences. As part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organisation, we address global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change and the sustainable use of resources. In doing so, we combine cutting‑edge research with social relevance. Our international staff - around 1,200 employees and approx. 500 guests - work in a multidisciplinary way and with a unique infrastructure to research the dynamic processes of the Earth system.

Our vision: “Taking the pulse of the Earth to safeguard a habitable planet.” For section 1.1 Space Geodetic Techniques (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for a: Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Space Geodesy Reference Number 11575

This position is part of the Research Unit “RING: Rotation in Physics, Geodesy, and Geophysics”, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). RING brings together expertise from several universities, research institutions and a Federal Agency across Germany to improve measurements with laser‑optical instruments to observe changes in Earth rotation.

The overall goal is to use these observations to enhance geodetic and geophysical applications, such as quantifying mass variations in the Earth system by climate variability and change.

The open position is part of the RING project P4, which combines ring laser with the space geodetic techniques VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) and LLR (Lunar Laser Ranging) as a joint effort of GFZ, the Institute of Geodesy at Leibniz University Hannover (IfE) and the Chair of Satellite Geodesy at Technical University Berlin (TUB).

We are looking for a candidate to explore the common parameter space of ring laser and space geodetic techniques (VLBI, LLR) to determine the link between the lunar ephemeris and the extragalactic frame and for a better separation of polar motion and precession/nutation. A further research objective is the prediction of EOP and the filling of observational gaps that often occur for VLBI and LLR. The target for the three‑technique combination is a better understanding of all involved techniques and a more accurate determination of the specific VLBI and LLR parameters. All tasks will be carried out in close collaboration with TUB and IfE.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop and apply a multi‑technique combination software for ring laser, LLR and VLBI observations at the normal equation level, considering consistency aspects between the techniques
• Determine the full set of five EOP (Earth Orientation Parameters) from the combined data analysis by exploiting the individual strengths of the observing techniques
• Determine the most accurate result for the Lunar Ephemerides – extra‑galactic frame tie
• Develop and perform EOP prediction by considering the complementary features of ring laser and space geodesy observations
• Consider data gaps in terms of minimising their effects on the combination
• Explore the improvements of other parameters in common to ring laser, VLBI and LLR, such as fundamental physics and relativistic parameters, due to the combination
• Design and conduct simulations of multiple ring lasers and quantify their effects on the target parameters

Essential Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in space geodesy, space engineering, geophysics or related fields
• Programming skills, preferably in MATLAB, Python, Fortran
• Understanding of VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) analysis and its main products, such as ICRF and EOP
• Knowledge of software for VLBI signal processing, automatization/batch processing and simulation
• Very good command of spoken and written English
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills for collaboration in an interdisciplinary environment

Desirable Qualifications:

• Expertise with ring laser and LLR basic principles
• Expertise with adjustment theory, least squares, and normal equation systems

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
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: 1st February 2027

Fixed-term: 3 years

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund ”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.

Working hours: Part‑time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)

Place of work: Potsdam

The GFZ actively promote diversity and equal opportunities. We explicitly welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age, and physical or neurodiverse abilities. “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. To know more about our Diversity policies, contact the diversity team. If you need more information about our gender equality policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer and check our Equal Opportunities Plan & Cascade Model. We look forward to applications from people who enjoy working in diverse teams, where everyone feels respected and valued and can fully develop their own talents. Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Data protection information for applicants

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Dr. Robert Heinkelmann via email.

www.gfz.de