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”.
Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) – Coupling of research software to model solid Earth processes
Reference Number 10354
Solid Earth dynamics are governed by complex multi-scale processes. GFZ researchers have successfully advanced the forward modelling of solid Earth processes like lithosphere deformation, magmatism, erosion, sedimentation, fluid flow and associated mass and energy transport. This project aims at link our existing software packages to elucidate feedbacks between these processes. The goal is to build a powerful, cross-scale framework for simulating and analyzing solid Earth complexity in order to advance process understanding of plate boundary dynamics, the formation of ore deposits, landscape evolution and geothermal reservoirs.
In doing so, the project will bridge modelling efforts in sections 2.5 Geodynamic Modelling, 2.1 Physics of Earthquakes and Volcanoes, 3.1 Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry, 4.5 Subsurface Process Modelling, and 4.7 Earth Surface Process Modelling. You will work in a broad and vibrant international team covering both fundamental and applied research questions. The host group will be the Geodynamic Modelling Section 2.5.
Your responsibilities:
- Building a coupling infrastructure aimed at integrating existing software packages for thermomechanical, hydrothermal, magmatic and surface processes
- Further development of the multi-disciplinary modelling tools for geodynamics
- Support ongoing and future scientific projects through the new coupling framework. These projects focus on tectono-magmatic interaction in rift systems; formation of magmatic-hydrothermal and sediment-hosted ore deposits; feedbacks between erosion and mountain building; as well as geodynamic effects on fault criticality in geothermally prospective rift systems.
- Optimisation of the functionality of the coupling framework based on regular interaction with modelling experts from the involved GFZ sections
- Collaboration with dedicated software developers from the involved GFZ sections
- Interaction with colleagues from the Geodynamic Modelling Section in group meetings, workshops and in other informal ways
- You are encouraged to write publications for scientific journals and to present at scientific meetings, but this is not a requirement
Your qualifications:
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in geophysics or a closely related field
- A doctoral degree is of advantage but not a strict requirement
- Extensive experience in software development with C++ and Python
- Experience in HPC computing with applications in Earth Sciences
- Experience in numerical solution of partial differential equations
- Experience with the geodynamic modelling software ASPECT is of advantage but not a strict requirement
- Proven ability to work in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment
- Creativity and critical thinking skills
- Ability to work in an international team, and excellent communication skills
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
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
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Fixed-term: 2 years
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: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam
Have we piqued your interest?
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.
