Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Hydrology

Internetchemie; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A research institution in Potsdam is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher in Hydrology to investigate hydrological connectivity in the Elbe River basin. This role involves analyzing soil moisture data and developing predictive models using machine learning. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a related field, excellent communication skills, and a strong command of English. Benefits include flexible working hours and extensive training opportunities, with the opportunity for part-time work.

Leistungen

State-of-the-art equipment

Public service benefits

Extensive training opportunities

Flexible working hours

Institute day-care centre on site

Qualifikationen

• PhD in relevant field required.
• Experience working with large data sets.
• Knowledge of the German language is an asset.

Aufgaben

• Analyse hydrological connectivity using gridded data sets.
• Develop models to predict gatekeeper locations using deep learning.
• Communicate findings with stakeholders.

Kenntnisse

Understanding of hydrological processes

Experience in statistics and data-driven modelling

Good programming skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Very good command of English

Ausbildung

PhD in Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences, Physics or Mathematics

Tools

Data-driven approaches

Machine learning

Jobbeschreibung

Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Hydrology

Reference Number 11039

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”.

This position is part of the project “Securing Terrestrial Water Cycles: the Helmholtz SOLVE”, funded by the Helmholtz Association. SOLVE brings together expertise from seven Helmholtz Centres and 10 stakeholder institutions to develop a science‑based decision framework for the Elbe River catchment. The overarching goal is to identify and optimise water management practices that preserve or restore hydrological and biological connectivity. Work will be carried out in the Sub‑Project HYDROCONNECT.

We are looking for a candidate to investigate the hydrological connectivity in the Elbe River basin by quantifying the relationship between the dynamics of soil moisture connectivity and streamflow response. This study will integrate satellite, ground, and simulation‑based data on the landscape water balance with data analytics to understand how variations in connectivity influence hydrograph characteristics, e.g. flood peaks and drought recession. A key objective is to identify and predict gatekeepers, i.e., critical locations that dynamically link upstream areas to the drainage network. The position will interact closely with other partners in SOLVE, particularly in the Sub‑Project HYDROCONNECT, where gravity‑based terrestrial water storage observations will be integrated with isotopic tracer methods and geophysical monitoring, and coupled hydrological and groundwater modelling, combined with machine‑learning techniques, will quantify groundwater recharge and resilience.

Your responsibilities:

• Analyse the dynamics of hydrological connectivity of soil moisture using gridded soil moisture data sets and data‑driven approaches (e.g., complex network methods).
• Develop models to predict gatekeeper locations and their relationship to streamflow as a function of climate and landscape controls, using deep learning and explainable AI.
• Communicate and discuss results with stakeholders to integrate the findings into water management practices.
• Interpret, publish and present findings in peer‑reviewed journals and workshops.

Your qualifications:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences, Physics or Mathematics (plus significant work experience in the field can also qualify).
• Understanding of hydrological processes.
• Experience in statistics and data‑driven modelling (e.g., machine learning), experience in working with large data sets.
• Good programming skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Very good command of English.
• Experience in writing scientific publications.
• Knowledge of the German language is an asset.

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: 31 December 2028

Salary: 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