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”.

The section [Hydrology](https://www.gfz.de/en/section/hydrology/overview) (department [“Geosystems”](https://www.gfz.de/en/departments/geosystems)) offers a Postdoc position with a focus on assessing groundwater storage dynamics by making use of mass change observations from satellite-based and terrestrial gravimetry:

Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Hydrology / Hydrogravimetry

Reference Number 11091

This position is part of two research activities: (i) the project "Securing Terrestrial Water Cycles: the Helmholtz Solution Lab Elbe River Basin (SOLVE)", funded by the Helmholtz Association. SOLVE brings together expertise from seven Helmholtz Centres and 10 stakeholder institutions to develop a science-based decision framework for the Elbe River catchment with the overarching goal to identify and optimise water management practices; (ii) the EU project e-genesis (Generating Earth Intelligence for Environmental and Sectoral Impact and Sustainability), bringing together 21 European institutions to transform Earth Observation, Artificial Intelligence and emerging digital technologies into actionable insights that support EU policy implementation and strategic decision-making, with one pillar focusing on water resource foresight and sustainability.

We are looking for a candidate to investigate data from satellite gravimetry (GRACE and GRACE-FO satellite missions) and terrestrial gravimetry (continuous ground-based monitoring with superconducting and other gravimeters) for quantifying groundwater storage dynamics. The research will integrate the time-continuous gravity observations with other hydro-meteorological and geophysical data sets to single out the storage dynamics of groundwater from local scales to the Elbe River basin scale and on the European scale. Key objectives are groundwater signal separation and its evaluation, spatial scaling, and forecasting of groundwater storage and recharge with data-driven approaches and hydrological modelling. The position will closely interact with other partners in SOLVE and e-genesis and contribute to the development of water-related data services and integrated management solutions.

Your responsibilities:

- Analyse and evaluate groundwater storage variations based on satellite and terrestrial gravity observations and complementary in-situ and Earth Observation data sets
- Develop data-driven methods for isolating and forecasting groundwater storage variations and recharge, using deep learning and explainable AI
- Communicate and discuss results with stakeholders to integrate the findings into water management practices
- Contribute to project documentation and deliverables
- Interpret, publish and present findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and workshops

Your qualifications:

- A Master’s degree or diploma and a PhD in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geodesy, Geosciences, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Physics or Mathematics
- Knowledge of the water cycle and of hydrological or hydrogeological processes
- Experience with processing or applying time-variable satellite-based or ground-based gravity data
- Experience in statistics and data-driven modelling (e.g., machine learning), experience in working with large data sets
- Good programming skills, preferably in Python
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Very good command of English
- Experience in writing scientific publications
- Knowledge of the German language is an asset

Start date: Latest 1st July 2026
Fixed-term: 3,5 Jahre
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Vollzeit (derzeit 39 h/Woche); Die Stelle ist grundsätzlich teilzeitgeeignet.
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 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 4th March 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Requirements for the application:

- CV (including scientific publication list as well as names and contact information of two referees)
- Letter of motivation
- Grades, transcripts and certificates for your master's and PhD degree in a single document - if not available, a confirmation from your institution on completed degree by the application deadline

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](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.

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. Andreas Güntner](mailto:andreas.guentner@gfz.de) 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.