The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is one of the world's leading institutions in geosciences and part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organisation, addressing global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change and the sustainable use of resources with around 1,200 employees and approx. 500 guests.
Section 4.4 "Hydrology" (department "Geosystems"), in collaboration with the universities of Bayreuth, Zürich and Freiburg, offers a Post-Doctoral Scientist position within the DFG-funded Research Unit "Fast and invisible: Conquering Subsurface Stormflow (SSF) through an Interdisciplinary Multi-Site Approach". Research focuses on hillslope-riparian zone-stream connectivity at the reach-to-catchment scale for better understanding and spatially distributed prediction of subsurface stormflow. A novel experimental design identifies hillslope SSF and tracks its physical and chemical signatures through the riparian zone and stream channel network using hydrometric and tracer-hydrological measurements, benefiting from extensive existing monitoring infrastructure including nine large trench systems and numerous observation wells. Experimental work will be conducted in three catchments in Germany, complemented by external data for catchment intercomparison. The position is part of a cluster hire of seven positions in Potsdam, Bayreuth, Freiburg and Zürich.
Responsibilities: advanced spatio-temporal analyses of distributed shallow groundwater levels combined with other datasets; methodological developments to identify SSF signals; development of signal processing routines for high-frequency measurements; installation and optimisation of monitoring equipment in the riparian zone; supervision of students; support of project leadership and cross-project collaboration and synthesis; presentation and publication of scientific results.
Essential qualifications: a Master's degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in hydrology, geosciences, environmental sciences, engineering or a closely related field; enthusiasm, curiosity, creativity, self-drive and commitment, team spirit and willingness to handle responsibility; excellent quantitative skills (programming, advanced data analysis, large and complex datasets, GIS, data management); process-oriented thinking and hydrological process understanding; some experience in environmental field work including extended walking and carrying heavy loads (regular week-long field campaigns expected); very good English writing and excellent communication skills; a valid European Cat. B driver's licence. German is an asset but not essential.
Start date: 1 October 2026. Fixed-term: 3.5 years. Salary group 13 (TVöD Bund). Full-time (currently 39 h/week), generally suitable for part-time work. Place of work: Potsdam. GFZ actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities; applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.
Closing date: 19 August 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online only via the GFZ online application form: https://gfz.concludis.de/bewerber/landingpage.php?prj=580P11440&b=12&lang=en_GB&ie=1&oid= — applications by 19 August 2026. Required documents: letter of motivation; CV including publication list and names and contact details of at least two referees; certificates/grades. For queries on the field of activity, contact Dr. Theresa Blume (theresa.blume@gfz.de); general application-process questions: +49 (0) 331-6264-28787. Reference Number 11440. Note: emails from @hotmail.com, @outlook.com or @live.de domains may face delivery delays — an alternative address and a phone number are recommended.