Research scientist (f_m_x) - GNSS Reflectometry

Internetchemie; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 52.000 - 75.000; Teilzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Public service benefits

Flexible working hours

Institute day-care on site

Career guidance from Career Centre

Zusammenfassung

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences invites applications for a Research scientist (f_m_x) in the GNSS remote sensing team in Potsdam. The focus is on developing and applying GNSS reflectometry and AI/ML methods to retrieve soil moisture and land-surface variables.

The position is fixed-term for 12 months, part-time 75%, with international collaboration and publication opportunities in peer-reviewed journals. Start date 1 November 2026, Potsdam.

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree and PhD in geodesy, remote sensing, geophysics, physics, environmental or data science.
• Publications on GNSS reflectometry or microwave remote sensing.
• Knowledge of machine learning for processing remote sensing data.
• Experience in GNSS data processing and handling ground- and satellite-based data.
• Very good English (working language).

Aufgaben

• Develop GNSS reflectometry-based methods for land-surface applications, including soil moisture and vegetation analysis.
• Validate data products against satellite radar/radiometer and in-situ data.
• Apply advanced ML methods to improve meteorological and hydrological models and forecasts.
• Collaborate with international partners and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Kenntnisse

GNSS reflectometry

Machine learning

GNSS data processing

English proficiency

Geodesy / Remote sensing

Ausbildung

Master's degree

PhD

Geodesy / Remote sensing

Tools

Python

MATLAB

UNIX/Linux

Deep learning frameworks

Jobbeschreibung

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of geosciences. As part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organisation, we address global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change and the sustainable use of resources. In doing so, we combine cutting-edge research with social relevance. Our international staff - around 1,200 employees and approx. 500 guests - work in a multidisciplinary way and with a unique infrastructure to research the dynamic processes of the Earth system. Our vision: "Taking the pulse of the Earth to safeguard a habitable planet."

For section 1.1 Space Geodetic Techniques (department "Geodesy"), we are looking for a: Research scientist (f_m_x) - GNSS Reflectometry Reference Number 11507

Our section develops and applies GNSS-based Earth observation techniques, including GNSS reflectometry (GNSS-R) and atmosphere/ionosphere sounding. GNSS reflectometry methods rely on the use of GNSS signals for remote sensing of the Earth's surface, using both ground- and satellite-based techniques. Data from regional and global ground networks, specialised flight experiments, and low-Earth-orbit satellite missions (e.g., CYGNSS, HydroGNSS) are processed and widely used in Earth System science.

The advertised position focuses on developing and applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning methods for GNSS reflectometry over land, particularly for the retrieval and analysis of soil moisture and related land‑surface variables. It combines current and innovative research tasks with operational aspects in an international environment involving interdisciplinary partner institutions.

The successful candidate will join the GNSS remote sensing team of section 1.1 for a fixed term of one year.

Your responsibilities

• Further development of GNSS reflectometry-based remote sensing methods for land‑surface applications, particularly for determining soil moisture, as well as for analysing vegetation and snow/freeze–thaw properties under operational conditions, using signals from all GNSS systems (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou)
• Validation of GNSS-based reflectometry data products through comparison with other remote sensing data (e.g., satellite radar and radiometer observations) as well as in‑situ measurements, to improve data quality, quality assurance, and error characterisation
• Development and application of advanced machine learning methods for data analysis and exploiting innovative GNSS reflectometry products to improve meteorological and hydrological models and forecasts
• Active collaboration with international and interdisciplinary partner institutions, and contribution to peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations

Essential Qualifications

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in geodesy, remote sensing, geophysics, physics, environmental or data science, or a closely related field, ideally with a focus on GNSS reflectometry
• Proven experience and scientific publications on the development and geophysical application of GNSS reflectometry or related microwave remote sensing techniques
• Sound knowledge of machine learning methods for processing and analysing remote sensing data
• Experience in GNSS data processing and the handling of ground- and satellite‑based GNSS remote sensing data
• Very good command of English (working language)

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with spaceborne GNSS‑R missions and their data products (e.g., CYGNSS, HydroGNSS) in developing scientific software, e.g., in Python and/or MATLAB, as well as in‑depth knowledge of UNIX/Linux environments; familiarity with modern deep‑learning frameworks with high-performance computing and the handling of large, heterogeneous satellite datasets

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 November 2026

Fixed-term

12 months

Salary

The position is classed as salary group 13 according to "TVöD Bund". 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

Important Technical Note

Currently, email addresses associated with domains such as @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.de may experience occasional delays or restrictions in receiving messages. To ensure smooth communication during the application process, we recommend using an alternative email address and providing an additional contact method (e.g., a phone number).

Diversity and inclusion

The GFZ actively promote diversity and equal opportunities. We explicitly welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age, and physical or neurodiverse abilities. "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. To know more about our Diversity policies, contact the diversity team. If you need more information about our gender equality policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer and check our Equal Opportunities Plan & Cascade Model. We look forward to applications from people who enjoy working in diverse teams, where everyone feels respected and valued and can fully develop their own talents. Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Data protection information for applicants

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Jens Wickert either via email or by phone at [phone]. www.gfz.de