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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 according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 4.1 Lithosphere Dynamics (department 4: Geosystems), we are looking for a:

Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) Active Tectonics

Reference Number 10395

We, the Lithosphere Dynamics section at GFZ Potsdam, are a multi-disciplinary, international, welcoming and enthusiastic research group fascinated by fundamental tectonic processes governing the behavior of convergent margins across various spatial and temporal scales.

To enrich our team, we are currently seeking a motivated candidate in the broadly defined field of active tectonics including one or more of the following: seismology, seismotectonics, paleo-seismology, tectonic geodesy, tectonic geomorphology, and numerical/analogue modelling. We are looking forward to collaborating with candidates who will use novel and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance our understanding of convergent plate-boundaries.

Together with our team the candidate will perform field (or lab) experiments or collect observational data in the above mentioned disciplines. The candidate will develop and apply advanced data processing, signal analysis and numerical or conceptual models to interpret the obtained results. We particularly value those who can think beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries, such as by working at the interfaces of the above-mentioned fields, and foster collaborative research both within and beyond geological subjects.

Your responsibilities:

Collect data, develop and apply advanced data processing and signal analysis and numerical or conceptual models to interpret the obtained results in:

  • Seismology
  • Seismotectonics
  • Paleo-seismology
  • Tectonic geodesy
  • Tectonic geomorphology
  • Numerical/analogue modelling

Your qualifications:

  • Master`s degree and PhD in geosciences or another relevant field
  • A substantial interest in understanding plate-boundary kinematics and dynamics
  • Motivation to independently develop and push forward a research project
  • Strong communication and writing skills, proficiency in English
  • An aptitude to collaborate within and outside our section and to work constructively in different cultural settings

Stern AG SIegel GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

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 benefit@work
  • Institute day-care centre on site 
  • Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
  • Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus 

Start date: 1st September 2025
Fixed-term: 2 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: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 8th June 2025.
Required documents: CV, letter of motivation, project proposal
Desirable documents: certificates (grades), master's thesis, references
Please use our online application form only.

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 Prof. Claudio Faccenna either via email or phone +49 (0)331-6264-1805. 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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