Research Scientist

Job Description

Within the recently funded WetNetBB-project (Management and biomass utilization of wet fens: Network of model and demonstration projects in peatland regions of Brandenburg), we seek an experienced and independent scientist willing and able to take full responsibility for the project. The main goal is to demonstrate how rewetting fens and continued agricultural production can go hand in hand. Our task is to monitor and understand the consequences of rewetting and continued use on CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes.

You will initiate and lead the establishment and operation of at least 3 eddy covariance flux towers and integrate them into a growing peatland flux tower network in NE Germany.

Your Responsibilities:

• Overall management of the project and communication with project collaborators
• Establishment and operation of at least 3 peatland flux tower sites including all ancillary measurements
• Post-processing, QA/QC, quantitative analysis and publication of flux tower data
• Generation and testing of hypotheses

Your Qualifications:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) and doctoral degree in atmospheric/environmental science, meteorology, physics, geoecology, or related field
• In-depth knowledge of land-atmosphere interactions, EC flux and other micro-meteorological measurements
• Excellent coding and quantitative analytical skills, preferably in R, Matlab, or Python
• Creative & critical thinking and ability to publish shown by a track record of original and innovative research
• Intention to actively develop your research career
• Strong motivation and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and in an integrated team environment
• Fluency in English (written and spoken), German is beneficial as project reports will have to be written in German.

What We Offer:

• Long-term project funding with the opportunity to turn into a permanent position
• Excellent research environment and a young and motivated international team
• Outstanding technical, organizational, and data management support by a full-time scientific engineer
• Generous resources for equipment, consumables, travel, and open access publishing
• Extensive training opportunities and an in-house career development center
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• A beautiful and historic science campus in a park setting with a history going back to Michelson and Einstein

Additional Information:

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 6 years with an option to extend for a further 3 years or until the end of the guaranteed funding allocation until 31.12.2032, or longer if funding is allocated until 31.08.2033
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to "TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet West)". 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 12^th November 2023. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. 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.