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

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.

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

Artificial intelligence (AI) methods, particularly generative AI, have the potential to significantly advance and transform Earth System Sciences (ESS), especially given the complexity of the Earth system as a dynamic system of interacting components. Generative AI enables the identification of general structures across a wide range of problems, which can be addressed to specific tasks in subsequent research questions. “GenAI4Earth” will go beyond the state‑of‑the‑art by designing, deploying, and operating 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.” To this end, current developments in the field of AI (e.g., Edge AI, Sustainable AI, Agentic AI) will be addressed and translated into concrete application scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Conducting research in the field of generative AI methodology
• Developing generative AI methods and services for research data and metadata management in interdisciplinary research projects
• Developing AI models for Earth System Sciences applications
• Contributing to GenAI4Earth infrastructure architecture – core federated services, compute, AI‑ready datasets, testing and validation
• Publication of research papers in relevant academic journals and participation in conferences
• Participation in the application process for national and international research projects
• Participation in GFZ-wide projects in the field of AI
• The position is fixed‑term for 3 years, starting as soon as possible.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• A Master's degree and a PhD in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or in a related field
• In‑depth knowledge of current AI methodology (Deep Learning, generative AI, Explainable AI, …) and relevant programming frameworks
• Advanced programming skills in relevant programming languages and contexts (e.g., Python, HPC/GPU programming, big data applications)
• Strong team spirit and experience in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Fluent 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 in working in an international team
• Solid understanding of data‑driven modelling and related mathematical and statistical methods
• Excellent communication skills
• Proactivity, follow‑up and keeping deadlines, initiative, problem‑solving 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
• 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

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. It also promotes 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 CodeIX. For further information on gender equality, please contact our Equal Opportunities Officer. GFZ is committed to gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.