PhD Position (f_m_x) : Hydrological model development for geodetic applications

Helmholtz Centre Potsdam; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 50.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Potsdam seeks a PhD candidate to advance a numerical model of the terrestrial branch of the global water cycle. The candidate will work on simulating hydrological models to enhance land water storage representation. Responsibilities include executing model experiments, evaluating through geodetic observations, and publishing results. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in relevant fields and excellent programming skills, particularly in Python. The position offers flexible working conditions and state-of-the-art facilities.

Leistungen

State-of-the-art equipment

Flexible working hours

Professional career advice

Institute day-care centre on site

Support for work-life balance

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree is required.
• Experience with large-scale hydrologic modeling is an advantage.
• Familiarity with satellite gravimetry and GNSS is beneficial.

Aufgaben

• Execute hydrological model experiments and evaluate results.
• Design process adjustments to improve model representation.
• Present results at conferences and publish findings.

Kenntnisse

Hydrological modelling

Scientific programming with Python

Geophysical data analysis

Excellent communication skills

English proficiency

Ausbildung

Master's degree in hydrology, meteorology, physics, mathematics, geodesy, or related discipline

Jobbeschreibung

Reference Number: 10895

Job Overview

We are looking for a PhD candidate to improve an existing numerical model of the terrestrial branch of the global water cycle to meet geodetic requirements for use in global mass variation and Earth rotation studies. The research project will be carried out together with the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Warsaw). The team at GFZ is responsible for developing numerical models of large‑scale mass transport processes from which climate signals in Earth’s rotation changes will be inferred. Your task will be to perform a wide range of hydrological model simulations forced by various atmospheric reanalyses to improve the representation of land water storage variability in the model.

Responsibilities

• Execution and evaluation of hydrological model experiments under various forcing conditions and parameterisations
• Design and implementation of process adjustments to improve land water storage representation
• Model evaluation by means of geodetic observations
• Sensitivity analyses and uncertainty assessment of the model results
• Presentation of results at international conferences and project meetings
• Publication of results in peer‑reviewed journals

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in hydrology, meteorology, physics, mathematics, geodesy, or a related discipline
• Experience with large‑scale hydrologic modelling will be advantageous
• Familiarity with geophysical data analysis
• Excellent skills in scientific programming and scripting, preferably with Python and shell
• Familiarity with geodetic observation techniques such as satellite gravimetry, GNSS, or satellite altimetry is an asset
• Strong social and excellent communication skills
• Good command of the English language (written and spoken)

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

As soon as possible

Fixed‑term

36 months

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

Application

Have we piqued your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 7th January 2026. Please send letter of motivation, CV and certificates. Use our online application form only.

Equal Opportunities

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. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.
"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 also implement gender equality measures to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths.

Personal Data

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.

Contact

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Laura Jensen via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at +49 (0) 331‑6264‑28787.