Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Hydrology (advanced data analyses and innovative experimental w...

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Job description:

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of geosciences. As part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organisation, we address global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change and the sustainable use of resources. In doing so, we combine cutting-edge research with social relevance. Our international staff - around 1,200 employees and approx. 500 guests - work in a multidisciplinary way and with a unique infrastructure to research the dynamic processes of the Earth system. Our vision: “Taking the pulse of the Earth to safeguard a habitable planet.”

For section 4.4 "Hydrology" (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a: Reference Number 11440

The section Hydrology at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, in collaboration with the universities of Bayreuth, Zürich and Freiburg, is offering a Post-Doctoral Scientist position within the DFG-funded Research Unit “Fast and invisible: Conquering Subsurface Stormflow (SSF) through an Interdisciplinary Multi-Site Approach”. 

Research will focus specifically on investigating hillslope-riparian zone-stream connectivity at the reach-to-catchment scale for a better understanding and spatially distributed prediction of subsurface stormflow (SSF). A novel experimental design is used to identify hillslope SSF and to track its physical and chemical signatures during passage through the riparian zone and along the stream channel network based on hydrometric and tracer-hydrological measurements. Research will benefit from the previously installed extensive monitoring infrastructure, which includes nine large trench systems for the collection of subsurface flows as well as numerous observation wells. This unique replicated design across different landscapes and land uses allows for a systematic study of SSF. The Postdoctoral Researcher will carry out detailed analyses of footslope and riparian well dynamics in the context of various other observed variables and landscape characteristics with the aim of identifying metrics and locations with the most information content on SSF occurrence. These extensive data analyses will be complemented with additional field installations, monitoring and experimentation in the riparian zone. Methodological developments, both in terms of data analysis and experimental approaches, are expected. Experimental work will be conducted in three catchments in Germany. Data analyses will focus on these sites but will also include the use of external data for extensive catchment intercomparison. 

This position is part of a cluster hire with a total of seven positions in Potsdam, Bayreuth, Freiburg and Zürich. The Post-Doctoral Researcher will be co-advised by the project leaders and will collaborate closely with the PhD students and project staff from the participating institutes. Being part of the research unit provides a unique chance of being embedded in an interdisciplinary and enthusiastic research network and to gain insights into a diverse range of methodological approaches. 

Your responsibilities:

• Advanced spatio-temporal analyses of distributed shallow groundwater levels in combination with various other datasets
• Methodological developments for the identification of SSF signals
• Development of signal processing routines for high-frequency measurements
• Installation and optimisation of monitoring equipment in the riparian zone
• Supervision of students
• Support of project leadership, support of cross-project collaboration and synthesis efforts
• Presentation and publication of scientific results

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• A Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD degree in hydrology, geosciences, environmental sciences, engineering or a closely related field
• You are enthusiastic, curious, creative, self-driven and committed, a team player and willing to handle responsibility
• Excellent quantitative skills (programming and advanced data analysis, experience with the analysis of large and complex datasets, GIS, data management)
• Process-oriented thinking and hydrological process understanding
• Some experience in environmental field work, awareness of the challenges involved, ability to work in the field including extended walking and carrying of heavy loads, and you enjoy working in the field as part of a larger team (regular week-long field campaigns are to be expected)
• Very good English writing and excellent communication skills
• A valid driver’s license (European Cat. B) is required

Desirable Qualifications:

• German is an asset but not essential

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 
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus  

Start date: 1st October 2026
Fixed-term: 3,5 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund ”. 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 19th August 2026. Please use our online application form only.Required documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV including publication list and names and contact details of at least two referees
• Certificates/grades

Important Technical Note: Currently, email addresses associated with domains such as @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.de may experience occasional delays or restrictions in receiving messages. To ensure smooth communication during the application process, we recommend using an alternative email address and providing an additional contact method (e.g., a phone number).

The GFZ actively promote diversity and equal opportunities. We explicitly welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age, and physical or neurodiverse abilities.  

“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. To know more about our Diversity policies, contact the diversity team. If you need more information about our gender equality policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer and check our Equal Opportunities Plan & Cascade Model.

We look forward to applications from people who enjoy working in diverse teams, where everyone feels respected and valued and can fully develop their own talents. Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified. 

Data protection information for applicants

In case of any further queries regarding 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) 331-6264-28787.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.