Scientific Researcher (f_m_x) in Space Physics and Space Weather

Area of research

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Job description

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 1.5 Space Weather and Space Physics (department 1 Geodesy), we are looking for a: Reference Number 10829

Our section is working on understanding the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment and developing tools for the prediction of the adverse effects of the space environment, utilising satellite observations, physics‑based numerical models, machine learning, and data assimilation. Our research will help safely design and operate satellites and maintain ground networks. We aim to bridge our theoretical studies with high‑performance tools that can be used in science, predictions, and applications.

Your responsibilities

• Helping develop, improve and maintain the space weather forecasting model run by the research group
• Drafting and editing related publications and presentations
• Co‑supervising doctoral students, interns and visiting scientists
• Drafting funding proposals and writing reports
• Assisting with arrangements of meetings and coordination of efforts
• Interacting with stakeholders within Germany and the EU Commission

Your qualifications

• A master\’s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD degree in Space Physics or related fields
• Experience with magnetohydrodynamic modelling of space weather conditions
• Familiar with programming languages, such as Python or Fortran
• Excellent knowledge of English (written and oral)
• Ability to interact with scientists and supervise students
• Ability to work in a collaborative and multi‑cultural environment and willingness to perform complex administrative tasks
• Experience with writing proposals and/or submitting third‑party funding applications
• Knowledge of Excel, MS Office and LaTeX

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: As soon as possible

Fixed‑term: 2 years (with possibility of extension)

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: Part‑time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)

Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 1st December 2025.

Required documents: CV and letter of motivation, certificates/grades

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.

“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 Dr. Dedong Wang 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.