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 in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.
For section 1.1 Space Geodetic Techniques (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for a:
Research Scientist (f_m_x) - GNSS Reflectometry
DeutschReference Number 11262
GNSS reflectometry methods rely on the use of signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to remotely sense the Earth’s atmosphere and surface, primarily using ground- and satellite-based techniques. The research involves processing data from regional and global ground networks, specialised flight experiments, and low-orbit satellites. The research assistant supports the research team in innovative research tasks with operational aspects in an international environment involving interdisciplinary partner institutions.
Your responsibilities:
- Further development of remote sensing methods for GNSS reflectometry in meteorological applications, particularly for determining wind speed and direction over oceans, as well as for analysing vegetation, soil moisture, and snow/ice properties under operational conditions using signals from all GNSS systems (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou)
- Validation of GNSS-based reflectometry data products through comparison with other remote sensing data (e.g., satellite radar) as well as in-situ measurements to improve data quality, quality assurance, and error characterisation
- Investigation and application of machine learning methods for data analysis, as well as the use of innovative GNSS reflectometry products to improve meteorological and hydrological models and forecasts
- Active collaboration with international and interdisciplinary partner institutions, as well as support for the use of GNSS reflectometry data in atmospheric research, weather forecasting, and climate research
About You:
Required qualifications:
- A Ph.D. in geodesy, meteorology, physics, geophysics or related fields, ideally with a focus on GNSS reflectometry
- Proven experience and scientific publications on the development and geophysical application of GNSS reflectometry techniques, particularly in operational applications
- GNSS data processing and the handling of ground- and satellite-based GNSS remote sensing data
Desirable Qualifications:
- Knowledge of machine learning methods for processing and analysing GNSS reflectometry data is desirable
- Experience in developing scientific software, e.g., in Python and/or MATLAB, as well as in-depth knowledge of UNIX/Linux environments
- Experience in securing external funding is an advantage
What we offer:
- Challenging and varied work in a dynamic, international research environment
- Modern workstations with state-of-the-art infrastructure
- Additional benefits in accordance with public service regulations
- Extensive opportunities for professional and personal development
- Individual career counselling through the in-house Career Center
- Flexible work schedules and opportunities for remote work
- Measures to improve work-life balance, including through benefit@work
- On-site daycare centre on the research campus
- An attractive workplace in the Albert Einstein Science Park on Potsdam’s Telegrafenberg
- Easy access to Potsdam Central Station—both on foot and by shuttle bus
Fixed-term: 36 months
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?
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.
“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.
