PhD Position (f_m_x) “Causal and mechanism discovery for multi-scale and spatiotemporal data"

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

In Section 4.7 “Earth Surface Process Modelling” (Department 4 “Geosystems”), we are looking for a student for:

PhD Position (f_m_x) “Causal and mechanism discovery for multi-scale and spatiotemporal data in geoscience”

Reference Number 9808

Time series, such as seismic data or paleoclimate proxy data (such as stable isotopes) from lake deposits, are one of the most common data structures in geoscience. Detecting causal associations and understanding mechanisms based on them is a key challenge for providing insights and predicting behaviors in Earth system. We seek a candidate to develop (1) a causal and equation discovery framework for various time series and spatiotemporal datasets; and (2) a statistical learning model for detecting and predicting phase transition and tipping points in Earth system components and critical thresholds for hazard early warning system. This project will mainly use seismic data for hazard early warning of mass movement events and isotope time series for paleoclimate reconstruction from various sites in Europe and worldwide for identifying regime transitions.

The PhD position will be hosted in the Earth Surface Process Modelling section at the GFZ and supervised by Dr. Hui Tang. In the section, numerical models are developed and used to investigate a wide range of physical, chemical and biological processes and interactions occurring at the Earth’s surface that are driven by tectonic processes and modulated by climate. The successful candidate will work with a team of partners from the Geomorphology section at the GFZ (Prof. Dr. Dirk Sachse) and from the Complex Systems department at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PD Dr. Norbert Marwan).

Your responsibilities:

1. Process and analyse continuous time series data such as seismic data and isotope data
2. Develop and improve causal discovery framework for continuous time series
3. Develop and improve equation discovery framework (e.g., SINDy) for continuous time series
4. Develop a machine learning approach for determining tipping points in Earth system and critical thresholds for early warning system based on causal and equation discovery framework, especially for mass movement
5. Build a statistical framework for ensemble simulations deriving thresholds for future climate
6. Interact with other members of the Earth Surface Process Modeling Section at weekly group meetings and in other informal ways
7. Present results at scientific meetings and in publications in peer-reviewed journals
8. Supervise master’s students

Your qualifications:

1. Master degree or diploma in Mathematics, Data Science, Machine Learning or Geosciences
2. Programming skills in Python, C, or similar language are necessary
3. Familiarity with machine learning and data science is strongly desirable
4. Knowledge in seismology or geochemistry is desirable
5. Proficiency in spoken and written English

What we offer:

1. Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
2. State-of-the-art equipment
3. Public service benefits
4. Extensive training opportunities
5. Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
6. Flexible working hours and conditions
7. Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by
8. Institute day-care centre on site
9. Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
10. Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: 1st January 2025
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: 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 31st October 2024. 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. 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.

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. Hui Tang (). If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

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