Research Scientist (f_m_x) in micrometeorology

Helmholtz Centre Potsdam; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 48.000 - 62.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Potsdam is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join an EU-funded project focusing on methane emissions. The role involves conducting UAS-based airborne eddy covariance field surveys and collaborating on innovative research questions in (Sub)Arctic ecosystems. Candidates should hold a Master's degree in a relevant field and possess strong coding and analytical skills. The position offers extensive professional development opportunities within a diverse and dynamic research environment.

Leistungen

State-of-the-art equipment

Extensive training opportunities

Public service benefits

Flexible working hours

Institute day-care centre on site

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in physics, atmospheric/environmental science, or related field.
• Strong coding skills with a focus on statistical software.
• In-depth knowledge of micrometeorological measurements.

Aufgaben

• Lead UAS-based airborne eddy covariance field surveys.
• Contribute to data quality and uncertainty characterization.
• Develop original research questions and hypotheses.

Kenntnisse

Coding skills in R, Matlab, or Python

Quantitative analytical skills

Knowledge of micrometeorological processes

Critical thinking and creativity

Excellent oral and written communication

Teamwork and independent working ability

Fluency in English

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in relevant field

Jobbeschreibung

Reference Number: 11018

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist for the EU-funded collaborative project "Investigating Methane for Climate Action (IM4CA)", a partnership of 27 European entities aimed at improving the quantification and understanding of natural and anthropogenic methane emissions and sinks. The role focuses on exploring climate feedbacks on natural methane sources and sinks in (Sub)Arctic ecosystems using an innovative UAS-based eddy covariance set‑up. You will collaborate with another post‑doctoral researcher on system characterisation, pipeline development, and linking airborne EC measurements to surface characteristics derived from hyperspectral and LiDAR remote sensing.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a comprehensive data quality and uncertainty characterisation of the system
• Lead, design, plan, and execute UAS-based airborne eddy covariance field surveys of carbon fluxes at subarctic sites in northern Finland, Norway, and Sweden
• Post‑process and perform QA/QC on all UAS EC data following Fluxnet/community standards
• Develop original/novel research questions and hypotheses, quantitative analyses, and peer‑reviewed publications
• Lead and advance the research topic through close collaboration within and beyond GFZ’s Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics Section

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in physics, atmospheric / environmental science, meteorology, geoecology, or a related field
• Excellent coding and quantitative analytical skills, preferably in R, Matlab, or Python
• In‑depth knowledge of micrometeorological processes and measurements
• Creative & critical thinking, and the ability to publish, demonstrated by a track record of original and innovative research
• Strong motivation and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and in an integrated team environment
• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

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
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or a short shuttle bus ride

Additional Details

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed‑term: 31 December 2028

Salary: Classified as salary group 13 according to "TVØD 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); generally suitable for part‑time work.

Place of work: Potsdam

Application Process

We look forward to receiving your application by 18 January 2026.

• Required documents: 1) Letter of motivation tailored to this position and demonstrating your motivation and expertise, 2) CV, 3) Contact information for one or two references.
• Please use our online application form only.

For any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Torsten Sachs via email. For general questions about the application process, contact our recruiting team at +49 (0) 331‑6264‑28787.

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. We give preferential consideration to individuals who have been recognized as severely disabled in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX.

"Diversity in perspectives" is one of GFZ's core values. We actively promote women in science and in leadership positions through our gender equality plan and cascade model measures, which we implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. Women are strongly encouraged 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.