Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Space Geodesy [english]

gfz services GmbH; Potsdam; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 60,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

State-of-the-art equipment

Public service benefits

Flexible working hours

Career development opportunities

On-site daycare

Job summary

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher in Space Geodesy. The role focuses on multi-technique combinations of ring laser, VLBI and LLR to improve Earth rotation observations and geodetic frames. Collaboration with partner institutions is central to the project.

Start February 2027, 75% part-time, Potsdam-based. Salary follows TVöD Bund E13, with a fixed term of 3 years.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop multi-technique software for ring laser, LLR and VLBI observations at the normal equation level.
• Determine the five Earth Orientation Parameters from combined data analysis.
• Determine Lunar Ephemerides – extragalactic frame tie.
• Develop EOP prediction using ring laser and space geodesy observations.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Fortran

English

Teamwork

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in space geodesy, space engineering, geophysics or related fields

Tools

VLBI software tools

Automation scripting

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

About You:

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 Jahre
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund 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

Required documents:

• Letter of motivation (concise, not more than 1 DIN A4 page, usual font size)
• CV (that covers at least the time periods of degrees and contractual employment, including the employer/affiliation and the weekly working hours, with monthly resolution)

Recommended documents:

• List of publications (if available)
• Grades, transcripts and certificates of your master's degree in a single document - if not available, a confirmation from your institution of the completed degree by the application deadline (originals plus English translations in case the original language of a certificate is neither English nor German)

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 Heinkelmannvia email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number [phone].