Doctoral researcher (f_m_x) – Volcano deformation hazards and interaction with hydrothermal alt[...]

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 in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

Doctoral researcher (f_m_x) – Volcano deformation hazards and interaction with hydrothermal alteration

Reference Number 11395

This position is part of the “ROTTnROCK” working group, a synergy project funded by the European Research Council. Candidates with expertise in remote sensing and volcano physics are encouraged to apply. The position will be funded and will also cover funds for computer power, fieldwork, visiting conferences and workshops, and publication charges. By using innovative geospatial records and data science, the candidate shall quantify the intensity, type, and spatial gradation of hydrothermal alteration.

Responsibilities

• Analyse satellite data of volcanoes (using tristereo, radar, hyperspectral sensors) and compare alteration vs topography vs deformation over the last years and decades (using archive satellite data).
• Use small, unoccupied aircraft systems (drones) that carry miniature sensors. Data will be processed using computer vision concepts such as point cloud matching, image correlation and structure‑from‑motion (SfM) workflows, and morphology will be studied using offset and change detection.
• Work on machine learning and/or classification and mineral mapping approaches to quantify dimensions and controls of hydrothermal alteration.
• Develop 4D digital representations of volcanoes, including independent (geophysical) records (digital twins).
• Collaborate closely with the rock mechanical labs, petrology labs and numerical modelling labs of partner institutes (co‑supervision).
• Plan and execute field expeditions at remote and active volcanoes.

About you

Essential Qualifications:

• MSc in Earth Science (e.g., Geophysics, Geology, Geography), with a deep knowledge of remote sensing and data analysis.
• Experience in active (SAR, InSAR) and passive (multi- and hyperspectral) remote sensing.
• Background and interest in volcanology.
• Capability for fieldwork and hikes in harsh environments.
• Car driving and drone flying licence.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with 3D object reconstruction, structure from motion and point cloud analysis.
• Experience in machine learning.
• Team player.
• Good written and oral skills in English.

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed‑term: 36 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

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.

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. 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. If you have any 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 part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We do this through our gender equality plan and 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.