PhD student (f_m_x) – Magnetotelluric measurements in the vicinity of Lake Laach, Germany

Organisation/Company GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung Research Field Geosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Germany Application Deadline 27 Jul 2025 - 21:59 (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:

Promotion

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 Section 2.2 "Geophysical Imaging" (department “Geophysics”), we are looking for a: Reference Number 10536

The project “Geophysical mapping to characterize the subsurface in the vicinity of Lake Laach (Eifel, Germany) using magnetotellurics (LaSEMI)” is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the priority program ICDP (International Continental Drilling Program). By measuring magnetotelluric (MT) data in the vicinity of planned drilling sites in the eastern Eifel (ICDP-EIFEL), possible connections between geodynamic processes and fluid systems and fault zones at depth will be investigated.

The advertised position involves conducting magnetotelluric (MT) measurements in the Eifel and interpreting the data obtained using 2D and 3D modelling and inversion. In addition to the logistical challenges involved in planning and conducting the experiment, strong electromagnetic disturbances in the region require the use and possible adaptation of existing MT time series processing. This position is embedded in the multidisciplinary research surrounding the Central European Volcanic Province Observatory (CVO) at the GFZ. The project and the doctoral studies will be supervised by Priv.-Doz. Dr. Ute Weckmann at the University of Potsdam.

Your responsibilities:

• Planning and conducting MT experiments in the Eifel region (Germany)
• Evaluating the MT data obtained using existing and advanced MT time series processing
• 2D and 3D modelling and inversion of MT data
• Integrating various geoscientific data into a consistent 3D model
• Publishing and presenting the results at international conferences and in trade journals
• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in geophysics (preferred), physics, computer science, or a related field
• Strong computer and scientific programming skills (Python, Matlab, C, C++, etc.)
• Experience in the evaluation of noisy magnetotelluric data
• Experience in 2D and 3D interpretation, modelling, and inversion of magnetotelluric data
• Very good written and spoken German
• Good communication skills and good written and spoken English
• Willingness and ability to participate in field work
• Class B driver's license required (please state the ownership of an EU valid driver's license in the CV)

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 September 2025
Fixed-term: 3 years
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: Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam Have we piqued your interest?If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 27thJuly 2025 . Required documents: CV and grades (certificates) Desirable documents: letter of motivationPlease 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 Dr. Ute Weckmann either via email or phone +49 (0)331-62642428. 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.