Seismologist (f_m_x) - Ground Motion Modeller

GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 65.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research center in geosciences in Germany is seeking a seismologist to develop next-generation ground-motion models for seismic hazard assessments. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic, international team and present their findings in scientific settings. This full-time position offers diverse tasks in a supportive research environment, starting March 2026.

Leistungen

Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic environment

Flexible working hours

Extensive training opportunities

Support for work-life balance

Qualifikationen

• PhD obtained within the last five years.
• Solid publication record in seismology.
• Experience in developing ground-motion models.

Aufgaben

• Development and testing of the next generation of ground-motion models
• Collaboration in an interdisciplinary context
• Presenting research results at scientific meetings

Kenntnisse

Fluency in English (written and oral)

Demonstrated experience in ground motion modelling

Demonstrated experience in machine learning

Knowledge of German

Ausbildung

Master’s degree

PhD in seismology

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung Research Field Geosciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country Germany Application Deadline 30 Nov 2025 - 22:59 (UTC) Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting‑edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 2.6 "Seismic Hazard and Risk Dynamics" (Department 2 "Geophysics"), we are looking for a: Reference Number 10805

The goal of our team in section "Seismic Hazard and Risk Dynamics", headed by Prof. Fabrice Cotton , is to make progress in all areas leading to an improved assessment of seismic hazards that goes beyond current methods.

We are seeking a seismologist to support us in developing the next generation of ground‑shaking models. These will be used for probabilistic seismic hazard assessments, real‑time post‑event predictions of shaking and damage, and/or earthquake early warning systems. We intend to develop ground motion models that integrate large‑scale databases of observed ground motions, physics‑based simulations of seismic waveforms and cutting‑edge machine learning methods. This next generation of models should account for potential nonlinear site effects and regional dependencies of source, path, and site properties, as well as considering the calibration of ground motion variabilities.

We are looking for a curious colleague who can build upon recent developments in machine learning to find innovative methods to characterise ground motion in future seismic hazard and risk studies.

The team's experience of applying machine learning to the development of ground‑motion models and site‑effect evaluations will benefit these developments. The successful candidate will interact with international networks of experts and teams involved in numerical modelling, seismology, and seismic hazard and risk evaluation.

The position should be filled by 1st March 2026 , but a later start date is possible. The duration of the position is for two years, with the possibility of extension.

Either a postdoctoral scientist or a research scientist can fill the position of seismologist. Please see the specified qualifications below.

Your responsibilities:

• Development and testing of the next generation of ground‑motion models
• Collaborate closely in an interdisciplinary context (computer sciences, theoretical and engineering seismology, probabilistic seismic hazard/risk assessment and seismic early warning)
• Present, publish and communicate research results at scientific meetings and in scholarly journals
• A Master’s degree or equivalent and a PhD (obtained within the last five years) in the field of seismology are requirements for the position
• Demonstrated experience in ground motion modelling
• Demonstrated experience in machine learning, particularly generative AI
• A solid publication record
• Fluency in English (written and oral)
• Knowledge of German would be viewed positively

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• 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
• Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: 1st March 2026
Fixed-term: 2 years (with possibility of extension)
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD 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); The position is generally suitable for part‑time work.
Place of work: Potsdam Have we piqued your interest?If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 30th November 2025. Requested documents: CV and letter of motivation Desirable documents: references and certificates/gradesPlease use our online application form only.

The 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. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

“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. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women 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.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Fabrice Cotton via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331‑6264‑28787.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.