Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Generative AI for Earth System Sciences

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 to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation.

In Department 5 "Geoinformation", we are looking for a post‑doctoral researcher (Reference Number 11340).

Artificial intelligence (AI) methods, particularly generative AI, have the potential to significantly advance Earth System Sciences (ESS). "GenAI4Earth" will design, deploy, and operate trustworthy, reusable GenAI services within the EOSC ecosystem, built on FAIR data, models, and workflows. The goal of this position is to develop data‑driven approaches to AI‑supported analysis for applications in ESS as part of the EU project "GenAI4Earth".

Your responsibilities

• Conduct research in generative AI methodology
• Develop generative AI methods and services for research data and metadata management in interdisciplinary projects
• Develop AI models for Earth System Sciences applications
• Contribute to GenAI4Earth infrastructure architecture – core federated services, compute, AI‑ready datasets, testing and validation
• Publish research papers in relevant academic journals and participate in conferences
• Participate in the application process for national and international research projects
• Participate in GFZ‑wide projects in the field of AI

About You

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's degree and a PhD in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field
• In‑depth knowledge of current AI methodology (Deep Learning, generative AI, Explainable AI, etc.) and relevant programming frameworks
• Advanced programming skills in Python, HPC/GPU programming, and big data applications
• Strong team spirit and experience in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of German
• Experience in scientific research in the field of generative AI
• Experience with interdisciplinary research projects
• Experience working in an international team
• Solid understanding of data‑driven modelling and related mathematical and statistical methods
• Proactivity, follow‑up, keeping deadlines, initiative, and problem‑solving skills

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
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station or a short shuttle bus ride

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed‑term: 3 years

Salary: 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: Full‑time (currently 39 h/week); the position is generally suitable for part‑time work.

Place of work: Potsdam

We look forward to receiving your application by 22nd July 2026. Please use our online application form only and provide a letter of motivation, CV and certificates/grades.

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. Applicants who have 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 queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.