Research Scientist (f_m_x) - Hyperspectral Remote Sensing – EnMAP

Academics; Potsdam; On-site; EUR 58,000 - 73,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Public service benefits

Flexible working hours

Career-Centre support

On-site day-care facility

Job summary

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam seeks a Research Scientist (f/m/x) in Remote Sensing to develop demonstrations from EnMAP data and advance future hyperspectral missions.

The role requires an MSc in a geosciences-related field, strong hyperspectral knowledge, and Python programming. You will work in an international team in a flexible, well-supported environment with opportunities for collaboration and publication.

Qualifications

• MSc in Geosciences or related field with strong remote sensing background.
• Strong knowledge of hyperspectral remote sensing and large-area/time-series Earth observation applications.
• Programming and data analysis skills, particularly in Python or similar environments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
• Very good written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Hyperspectral remote sensing

Python

Spatial analysis

English proficiency

Education

MSc in Geosciences or related field

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

The Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) is the German hyperspectral satellite mission funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. EnMAP was successfully launched into space in April 2022 and started routine operations in November 2022.

The main scientific goal of EnMAP is to provide high-quality data for the analysis of environmental changes, ecosystem responses to human activities, and the management of natural resources. GFZ Potsdam has the scientific lead of the mission, coordinating scientific collaboration, data quality assessment, mission activities, application development, training, and community building within EnMAP and the hyperspectral community.

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

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 January 2027

Fixed-term: 18 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

Deadline: 4th November 2026.

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