Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - SOLVE

IT-Systemhaus der Bundesagentur für Arbeit; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A research institution for geosciences is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on hydrological connectivity in the Elbe River basin. The ideal candidate will analyze soil moisture dynamics and develop predictive models using advanced data-driven approaches. Responsibilities include publishing research findings and collaborating with stakeholders in water management. This position offers ambitious tasks, public service benefits, and flexible working conditions, located in Potsdam, Germany. Applications are welcome until February 1, 2026.

Leistungen

Ambitious and varied tasks

Public service benefits

Extensive training opportunities

Flexible working hours

Support for work-life balance

Location near Potsdam main train station

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences, Physics or Mathematics.
• Significant work experience can also qualify.
• Experience working with large data sets.

Aufgaben

• Analyse the dynamics of hydrological connectivity of soil moisture.
• Develop models to predict gatekeeper locations in relation to streamflow.
• Communicate results with stakeholders for water management integration.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and workshops.

Kenntnisse

Understanding of hydrological processes

Experience in statistics and data‑driven modelling

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Very good command of English

Knowledge of the German language

Ausbildung

Master's degree and PhD in relevant 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”.

The section 4.4 Hydrology (department “Geosystems” ) offers a Postdoc position focusing on “Hydrological connectivity of soil moisture and streamflow“ in the framework of the Helmholtz Water Safety and Security Initiative:

Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - SOLVE

Reference Number 11039

This position is part of the project “Securing Terrestrial Water Cycles: the Helmholtz SOlution Lab Elbe RiVEr Basin (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 groundwater 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 1st February 2026.

Required documents:

• CV (including scientific publication list as well as names and contact information of two referees)
• Letter of motivation
• Grades, transcripts and certificates for your master’s and PhD degree in a single document – if not available, a confirmation from your institution on completed degree by the application deadline

Please use our online application form only.

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 among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

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.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Theresa Blume via email mailto:[e-mail] . If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331‑6264‑28787.