Research scientist (f_m_x) - GNSS Reflectometry

GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 42.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Public service benefits

Flexible working hours

Career guidance and training

Institute day-care on site

Shuttle to Potsdam station

Zusammenfassung

GFZ Helmholtz‑Zentrum für Geowissenschaften in Potsdam invites applications for a research position focused on GNSS reflectometry and remote sensing. The role combines advanced data analysis, ML methods and collaboration with international teams to improve earth-system modelling.

Start date 1 November 2026, fixed‑term 12 months, part‑time 75%. Work at the Potsdam site with access to state‑of‑the‑art equipment and career development opportunities.

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree and PhD in geodesy, remote sensing, geophysics, physics, environmental or data science.
• Experience and publications in GNSS reflectometry or microwave remote sensing.
• Knowledge of ML methods for processing remote sensing data.

Aufgaben

• Develop GNSS reflectometry methods for land-surface applications (soil moisture, vegetation, snow/freeze–thaw).
• Validate GNSS reflectometry data with satellite and in-situ data to improve quality and QA.
• Apply advanced machine learning to GNSS products to improve models and forecasts.
• Collaborate with international partners and contribute to publications and conferences.

Kenntnisse

GNSS reflectometry

remote sensing

machine learning

GNSS data processing

English proficiency

Ausbildung

Master's degree in geodesy/remote sensing/geophysics or related field

PhD in geodesy/remote sensing/geophysics or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

UNIX/Linux

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.”

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

About You:

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

Start date: 1st November 2026

Fixed-term: 12 Monate

Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.

Working hours: Teilzeit 75% (derzeit 29,25 h/Woche)

Place of work: Potsdam

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

Diversity & Inclusion Statements

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.

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).

Required documents: CV, letter of motivation, certificates/grades

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]. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number [phone].