Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - SOLVE

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) – SOLVE

Reference Number 11039. This position is part of the project Securing Terrestrial Water Cycles: the Helmholtz SOLtuion Lab Elbe River Basin (SOLVE), funded by the Helmholtz Association.

Responsibilities

• Analyse the dynamics of hydrological connectivity of soil moisture using gridded soil moisture data sets and data‑driven approaches (e.g., complex network methods).
• Develop models to predict gatekeeper locations and their relationship to streamflow as a function of climate and landscape controls, using deep learning and explainable AI.
• Communicate and discuss results with stakeholders to integrate the findings into water management practices.
• Interpret, publish and present findings in peer‑reviewed journals and workshops.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences, Physics, or Mathematics (or significant work experience in the field).
• Understanding of hydrological processes.
• Experience in statistics and data‑driven modelling (e.g., machine learning) and working with large data sets.
• Good programming skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Very good command of English.
• Experience in writing scientific publications.
• Knowledge of German is an asset.

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 a short ride on the shuttle bus.

Start Date

15th March 2026

Fixed‑term

31st December 2028

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

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

Place of Work

Potsdam.

Apply

We look forward to receiving your application by 1st February 2026 .

Required Documents

• CV (including scientific publication list and contact information of two referees).
• Letter of motivation.
• Grades, transcripts and certificates for your master’s and PhD degree in a single document – if not available, confirmation from your institution on completed degree by the application deadline.

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. Theresa Blume via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) .

Seniority level: Internship

Employment type: Part‑time

Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industry: Research Services