Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Hydro-Geophysics

We are looking for a candidate to investigate the hydrological dynamics in the surroundings of a ring laser at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell, operated by BKG. The goal is to assess if and how groundwater storage variations and soil moisture changes affect the ring laser measurements through mass-attraction effects and due to tilts caused by surface deformation. The research will be based on hydrological and hydrogeophysical monitoring on the grounds of the observatory and on hydrological modelling of water fluxes and storage variations at local and regional scales. All tasks will be carried out in close collaboration with BKG.

Your responsibilities:

• Deploy a hydro-geophysical monitoring system at the Wettzell observatory, including soil moisture sensors and transects for Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)
• Derive spatial and temporal variations of water storage from new and existing sensor data
• Implement a local physically-based hydrological model (preferably HYDRUS) to simulate water fluxes and storage dynamics in the surroundings of the ring laser
• Adapt methods for modelling the hydrological mass attraction effect on tiltmeters that are co-located with the ring laser, and develop correction methods for these effects
• Contribute to project activities and deliverables
• Interpret, publish and present findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and workshops

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in geophysics, geodesy, hydrology or related fields
• Understanding of hydrological processes
• Knowledge of environmental process models such as physically-based hydrological modelling (e.g., HYDRUS)
• Very good command of spoken and written English
• Programming skills, preferably in Python
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills for collaboration in an interdisciplinary environment

Desirable Qualifications:

• Expertise with hydrological, geophysical or geodetic monitoring devices
• Experience in potential field modelling with elementary bodies
• Willingness to work in the field (adverse weather conditions included)
• Driver’s license

Start date: 1st January 2027

Fixed-term: 3,5 Jahre

Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.

Working hours: Teilzeit 75% (derzeit 29,25 h/Woche)

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 is offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• 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

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 25thOctober 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents:

• CV
• Letter of motivation
• Grades, transcripts and certificates for your master's degree in a single document - if not available, a confirmation from your institution of the 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. If you have any further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our [Equal Opportunities Officer](https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/employee-representation).

"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](https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/equal-opportunities)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.

[Data protection information for applicants](https://www.gfz.de/en/career/job-offers#c95430)

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact [Prof. Dr. Andreas Güntner](mailto:) via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

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Quelle: Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis), Tabelle; dl-de/by-2-0; eigene Berechnung

Veröffentlicht am 01. Nov. 2026