Research Scientist / Postdoc (f_m_x) in Hydrology

Research Scientist / Postdoc (f_m_x) in Hydrology

Arbeitsort

Potsdam

Reference Number

10904

Project Overview

In the frame of the Helmholtz \“Water Safety and Security\“ campaign, the Solution Lab Rur Erft (SLRE) aims to develop engineering and nature‑based solutions for coping with water extremes – both droughts and floods in the Rur and Erft basins. Identifying solutions in front of the background of multiple sources of uncertainty is a key challenge for future water safety and security, as well as climate change adaptation. The SLRE approach is based on developing digital twins that simulate storylines and explore solution spaces in an interactive solution room, in close collaboration with partners at other Helmholtz Centres and regional stakeholders, through a co‑design and transfer‑by‑design approach.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to an iterative development of storylines in close cooperation with stakeholders
• Implement hydrologic and hydrodynamic models according to the storylines for the focus regions
• Contribute to the implementation of the models within a digital twin
• Engage in simulating various storyline scenarios and explore results with project partners and stakeholders
• Present and publish research results at scientific meetings and peer‑reviewed journals

Requirements

• A Master\’s Degree and a PhD (certificate available at the start of the work contract) in Hydrology, Environmental Sciences or related disciplines
• Demonstrated experience in the application of hydrological and hydrodynamic models for water resources research
• Solid understanding of the terrestrial water cycle, particularly of the flood risk system
• Experience in statistical data analysis, machine learning and AI‑based modelling
• Experience in research software development and open‑science workflows (e.g., Fortran, Python, Git)
• Fluency in English (written and oral)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

What We Offer

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• 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
• 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

Application Deadline

We look forward to receiving your application by 4th January 2026.

Required Documents

CV and letter of motivation.

Application Process

Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and Inclusion

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. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

\“Diversity in perspectives\“ is one of GFZ\’s core values. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Data Protection

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.

Contact

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Sergiy Vorogushyn either 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.