PhD candidate (f_m_x) - Development of Next-Generation Radio-Magnetotelluric Instruments, Exper[...]

Internetchemie; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 20.000 - 40.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Potsdam is seeking a PhD candidate for innovative development in Radio-Magnetotelluric instruments. Responsibilities include enhancing RMT device capabilities, conducting international field experiments, and interpreting geophysical data. Ideal candidates should possess a Master's degree in geophysics, experience in programming, and knowledge of electromagnetic methods. This position offers dynamic tasks in an international setting and a part-time contract, with benefits supporting work-life balance.

Leistungen

State-of-the-art equipment

Public service benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional career advice

Institute day-care centre on site

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, or geology required.
• Knowledge of electromagnetic geophysical methods essential.
• Proficient in programming in at least one language.

Aufgaben

• Develop RMT devices and processing concepts.
• Participate in RMT field experiments in Germany and abroad.
• Interpret acquired RMT data regarding subsurface structure.

Kenntnisse

Electromagnetic geophysical methods

Programming languages (Fortran, C, C++, Python, Matlab)

Windows and Linux proficiency

Field experiment participation

German and English proficiency

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in geophysics or related fields

Jobbeschreibung

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”.

PhD candidate (f_m_x) – Development of Next‑Generation Radio‑Magnetotelluric Instruments, Experiments and Approaches

Reference Number 11003

In the research group "Magnetotellurics", we have been working for several years on the further development of the high‑frequency Radio magnetotelluric method (RMT) to map the electrical conductivity distribution of the upper ten to one hundred metres of the subsurface. Typical areas of application are in the context of investigations of aquifers, the weathering zone or in the accompaniment of drilling projects. Within the framework of this PhD position, innovative and efficient experimental and processing concepts are to be developed for the RMT. The existing processing software, as well as the 2D and 3D inversion strategies, are to be further developed. This requires close cooperation with the technical staff of the section. Further data sets need to be acquired in the context of field experiments in Germany and abroad.

Your responsibilities

• Further development of the RMT devices
• Development of innovative experimental, data handling and processing concepts
• Planning of and participation in RMT field experiments in Germany, Europe and worldwide
• Further development of the processing algorithm for RMT data and integration into the analysis software available at GFZ
• Development of innovative and adapted interpretation and modelling methods for RMT data
• Interpretation of the acquired RMT data with regard to the geological subsurface structure
• Publication and presentation of results in scientific journals and at meetings and conferences

Your qualifications

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in geophysics (preferred), physics or geology
• Sound knowledge in the application and theory of electromagnetic geophysical methods, especially magnetotellurics
• Sound computer skills in Windows and Linux
• Demonstrable, sound programming knowledge and experience in at least one programming language (Fortran, C, C++, Python, Matlab, …)
• Very good knowledge of the German and English languages
• Ability to participate in and conduct field experiments
• European Class B driving licence required

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 April 2026

Fixed term: 3 years

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

Place of work: Potsdam