Scientific Researcher (f_m_x) - GNSS Remote Sensing (m/w/d)

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 1.1 ‘Space Geodetic Techniques’ (Department 1: Geodesy), we are looking for a:

Scientific Researcher (f_m_x) - GNSS Remote Sensing

Reference Number 10733

Our Section ‘Space Geodetic Techniques’ has around 50 researchers and engineers with interdisciplinary background, who work together on innovative Earth Observation methods exploiting signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). We are an open, international and interdisciplinary team, that is passionate about advancing GNSS based Earth Observation and space geodetic research. If you are enthusiastic about innovation, successful team work and pushing the boundaries of Earth observation, we look forward to welcome you in our team!

The successful candidate should have an excellent track record in research on the application of GNSS signals for atmosphere/ionosphere and Earth surface remote sensing with focus on using ground-based observations from standard geodetic receivers. We expect the successful candidate to contribute actively to the further development and application of GNSS remote sensing techniques at an internationally leading level. This will also involve contributions to attract research grants to extend the scientific spectrum of our research group at GFZ.

Your responsibilities:

• Development, implementation and testing of complex analysis software for GNSS remote sensing (atmosphere and earth surface), with focus on ground-based GNSS observations
• Contributing to the operational provision of GNSS-based atmospheric data to weather forecasting centres and the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
• Using innovative techniques (data assimilation, machine learning, etc.) for the GNSS data analysis and applying GNSS data products in weather and climate research
• Extending and maintaining scientific cooperation with academic partners on the national and international level
• Contributing to the writing of scientific proposals to attract external research funding
• Publication of the research results in scientific journals and at conferences
• Contributing to the supervision of Master ́s and PhD students

Your qualifications:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in Geodesy, Meteorology, Physics, Mathematics or Geophysics, preferably with a thesis topic in GNSS Remote Sensing
• You should have a strong background and publication record in the development and application of GNSS remote sensing techniques, preferably using ground-based standard geodetic receivers and operational GNSS data processing
• Experience in developing scientific software packages, e.g., in Python and/or Matlab. Good knowledge of UNIX/Linux
• Experience in using GNSS analysis software packages would be an advantage
• Demonstrated capability in proposal writing and securing third-party funding would be an advantage
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluency in English (written and oral)
• Experience of supervising Master's and PhD students would be advantageous

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 January 2026
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?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 9th November 2025.

Required documents: CV, motivation letter and list of publications

Desirable documents: certificates (grades)

Please use our online application form only.

Apply

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. Dr. Jens Wickert 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.

Contact

Consultant

Franca Buge

Human Resources

+49 331 6264-1676EmailProfile

Clerk

Carolin Büsser

Human Resources

+49 331 6264-1612EmailProfile

Clerk

Tina Woydowski-Parzych

Human Resources

+49 331 6264-22358EmailProfile