Research Fellow (f_m_x) – Physicist/ Geophysicist (f_m_x) in absolute Quantum Gravimetry

Helmholtz Centre Potsdam; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prominent research institute in Potsdam seeks a qualified individual to contribute to the EU-funded EQUIP-G project focusing on quantum gravimetry. Responsibilities include data acquisition, maintenance of scientific instruments, and integration of data into geothermal models. Candidates must hold an MSc and PhD in relevant fields, possess coding skills, and exhibit excellent communication capabilities. The institute offers a dynamic research environment, flexible hours, and supports diversity in the workplace.

Leistungen

Ambitious tasks in a dynamic environment

State-of-the-art equipment

Public service benefits

Extensive training opportunities

Flexible working hours

Support for work-life balance

On-site day-care centre

Qualifikationen

• Experience in seismology or associated techniques is a plus.
• Excellent publication track record.
• Experience in teaching or collaboration with industry will be considered a plus.
• Experience in the supervision of MSc/PhD students is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Contribute to AQG data acquisition and processing for the Iceland test-bed.
• Maintain the superconducting gravity meters for 2 years.
• Integrate AQG and SG gravity data in geothermal models.
• Test innovative methods for integration in geothermal models.
• Publish scientific results and participate in conferences.

Kenntnisse

Data processing

Numerical modelling

Coding in Python

Coding in Matlab

Coding in C/C++

Teaching experience

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Excellent communication skills

Fluency in English

Knowledge of German

Ausbildung

MSc and PhD in Physics, Mathematics, or Geosciences

Tools

Python

Matlab

Fortran

C/C++

bash

Jobbeschreibung

Reference Number

10887

Recent advances in quantum technology have made operational quantum gravimeters possible, surpassing conventional devices in precision and versatility. In this context, the EU‑funded EQUIP‑G project will deploy a network of Absolute Quantum Gravimeters (AQG) across Europe, forming the first terrestrial segment of a pan‑European quantum gravimetry infrastructure. This network will support key priorities like the Green Deal, energy management, and risk mitigation. It aims to democratise access to advanced quantum gravity instruments and build a strong European gravimetry community through rigorous testing and FAIR data management.

In this context, GFZ takes part in one of the selected test‑case, the Theistareykir geothermal reservoir (North Iceland). GFZ has been monitoring subsurface mass transfers with a multiparameter network including two superconducting gravity (SG) meters. Due to instrumental drift, SGs cannot precisely detect relatively small gravity changes occurring over time scales of months to years and absolute measurements have been performed to correct for it.

Within Equip‑G, the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI), the National Land Survey of Finland (NLS) and GFZ will perform three 3‑month campaigns of quantum gravimetry in the geothermal field. In each campaign, the AQG will perform continuous measurements at the SG installation sites, providing (a) absolute gravity reference to correct the drift on the data from the SGs, as well as (b) time‑series offering independent insight into the short‑term (days to weeks) gravity changes induced by the redistributions of the geothermal masses.

Your responsibilities

• Contribute to AQG data acquisition and processing for the Iceland test‑bed and their validation.
• Contribute to maintenance of the superconducting gravity meters and the geophysical network in Iceland during the 2 years of the AQG campaigns.
• Integrate the AQG and SG gravity data and other geophysical data in geothermal models.
• Potential test of innovative complementary methods for integration in the geothermal models.
• Contribute to selected other test cases within Equip‑G.
• Publication of scientific results and participation in scientific conferences (EGU).

Your qualifications

• MSc and PhD degree in Physics, Mathematics or Geosciences (Geophysics, Gravimetry, Geodesy, Deformation); Experience in seismology or associated techniques is a plus.
• Proven experience in data processing, numerical modelling and inversion.
• Experience in coding (Python, Matlab, Fortran, C/C++, bash).
• Excellent publication track record.
• Capacity for interdisciplinary, international teamwork and excellent communication skills.
• Experience in teaching or collaboration with industry will be considered a plus.
• Experience in the supervision of MSc/PhD students is a plus.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English; knowledge of German is a plus.

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.
• 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 June 2026

Fixed‑term: 2 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: Full‑time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part‑time work.

Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 25th January 2025.

Requested documents: CV, letter of motivation and certificates/grades.

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 Philippe Jousset either via email or phone [phone]. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number [phone].