Research Scientist (f_m_x) - Hyperspectral Remote Sensing – EnMAP

GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung; Potsdam; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 60,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Public service benefits

State-of-the-art equipment

Extensive training opportunities

Flexible working hours

Institute day-care centre on site

Job summary

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam is seeking a Research Scientist (f_m_x) in Hyperspectral Remote Sensing for the EnMAP mission. The role focuses on developing novel demonstrations with EnMAP data, time-series analyses, and cross-mission approaches within the Geodesy department.

You will contribute to acquisition planning, research dissemination, and the preparation of scientific documentation, collaborating across disciplines in an international setting.

Qualifications

• MSc in Geosciences, Geography, Remote Sensing, Environmental Sciences, Physics, Computer Science or related discipline with strong remote sensing background.
• Thorough knowledge of hyperspectral remote sensing and large-area/time-series Earth observation applications.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with experience in developing methods for complex spatial-temporal EO datasets.
• Programming and data analysis skills, particularly in Python or similar environments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.
• Very good written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop scientific demonstrations based on EnMAP data, including large-area applications and time-series analyses.
• Shape EnMAP acquisition strategies and future concepts for CHIME and other missions.
• Support operational EnMAP activities, including acquisition planning and proposals review.
• Present and publish results at conferences and in journals.
• Prepare scientific documentation and project reports.

Skills

Remote sensing

Python programming

Quantitative analysis

Spatial analysis

Education

MSc in Geosciences or related field

Tools

Python

GIS software

Job description

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 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for a:

Research Scientist (f_m_x) - Hyperspectral Remote Sensing – EnMAP

Reference Number 11571

Your responsibilities:

• Develop novel scientific demonstrations based on EnMAP data, including large-area applications, time-series analyses, and multi-sensor and cross-mission approaches
• Develop novel directions for the EnMAP acquisition strategy, with a focus on future acquisition concepts and in preparation for future missions such as CHIME
• Support ongoing operational EnMAP mission activities, including acquisition planning and the review of acquisition proposals
• Present and publish research results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
• Support the preparation of scientific documentation and project reports

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• An MSc in Geosciences, Geography, Remote Sensing, Environmental Sciences, Physics, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with a strong background in remote sensing
• Thorough knowledge of hyperspectral remote sensing and large-area and/or time-series Earth observation applications
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and experience in developing methods or workflows for the analysis of complex spatial and temporal Earth observation datasets
• Programming and data analysis skills, particularly in Python and/or comparable scientific programming environments
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Very good written and spoken English

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with satellite mission planning, acquisition planning, observation strategies, or related Earth observation activities
• Experience with hyperspectral satellite missions, particularly EnMAP or comparable imaging spectroscopy missions
• Experience in scientific software/workflow development, analysis-ready data cubes, or automated processing of large Earth observation datasets
• Experience in disseminating scientific results through peer-reviewed publications and/or international conferences
• German language skills

Start date: 1st January 2027

Fixed-term: 18 months

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

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