Seismologist (f_m_x) - Ground Motion Modeller

Internetchemie; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A research institute in Potsdam is seeking a Seismologist to develop advanced ground-motion models for seismic assessments and early warning systems. The candidate should possess a Master’s degree and a PhD in seismology, along with experience in ground-motion modelling and machine learning. This position offers ambitious tasks in an international environment, flexible working conditions, and public service benefits.

Leistungen

Extensive training opportunities

State-of-the-art equipment

Flexible working hours

Institute day-care centre on site

Professional career advice through Career-Centre

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree or equivalent and a PhD (obtained within the last five years) in the field of seismology.
• Demonstrated experience in ground-motion modelling.
• Demonstrated experience in machine learning, particularly generative AI.
• A solid publication record.

Aufgaben

• Development and testing of the next generation of ground-motion models.
• Collaborate closely in an interdisciplinary context.
• Present, publish and communicate research results.

Kenntnisse

Ground motion modelling

Machine learning

Good communication skills

Fluency in English

Knowledge of German

Ausbildung

Master’s degree or equivalent

Ph.D. in seismology

Jobbeschreibung

Seismologist (f_m_x) - Ground Motion Modeller

Reference Number 10805

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 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.

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

Your qualifications

• 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
• Good communication 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
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Additional information

Start date: 1st March 2026 (the position should be filled by this date, but a later start date is possible)

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