PhD candidate (f_m_x) – Collection and analysis of data on households’ adaptation and flood risk

Overview

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”.

Position

PhD candidate (f_m_x) – Collection and analysis of data on households’ adaptation and flood risk
Reference Number 11218

Project context

In the section Hydrology, we are seeking a motivated and talented PhD candidate to work in the ERC Synergy Grant Project “LIMIT2ADAPT - When and where do we reach the limits of adaptation to riverine flood risk?”. You have experience in machine learning, programming and flood risk research.

Responsibilities

• Organise and implement household surveys (partly longitudinal surveys) in at least two of the following case study areas (Rhine, Mekong, Pungwe, Upper Mississippi)
• Combine the new survey data with data from past surveys, analyse the data using machine learning approaches and develop a global flood damage model
• Establish (semi-)automatic processes for analysing survey data, including writing well-documented, reusable code (Python or R)
• Collaborate closely with project partners in an interdisciplinary context
• Present, publish and communicate research results at scientific meetings, conferences, and in scholarly journals
• Undertake a PhD study at Humboldt University Berlin
• Deliver according to the project timelines and university/department requirements

About You

Essential Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography, Engineering, Geoinformatics or related fields
• Understanding of flood risk system: hazard, exposure, and vulnerability
• Programming skills (Python, R)
• Capacity for interdisciplinary teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Ability to communicate in English fluently

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with surveys or survey data analyses is beneficial
• Expertise in machine learning and Bayesian statistics is beneficial

What We Offer

• Work on a scientifically exciting, socially highly relevant, and globally visible ERC Synergy Grant project
• Collaborate with leading scientists and their research groups
• Take on ambitious and diverse tasks in a dynamic, 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
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Practical details

Start date: 1st July 2026
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