Research Associate (f_m_x) - Horizon Europe Net4Cities Project
The Research Institute for Sustainability at GFZ (RIFS) conducts research aimed at investigating, identifying, and advancing development pathways for transformation processes towards sustainability in Germany and abroad. Founded in 2009 as the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), it has been affiliated with the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences since 1 January 2023 and is part of the Helmholtz Association. The research group Urban Air Quality, Mobility, and Health in Europe is seeking a Research Associate.
The position is nested in the Horizon Europe funded project Net4Cities and focuses on advancing knowledge on 'new and emerging' pollutants from transport sources. Advanced monitoring networks will provide real-time data and source apportionment information to support agile policy- and decision-making. A vital part of the work is meeting and discussing with local policymakers to understand their policy interests and translate these into monitoring approaches that align with their needs while ensuring scientific relevance and robustness. RIFS is the lead coordinator of the Net4Cities consortium and applies a transdisciplinary approach to research.
Responsibilities: support the coordination and facilitation of stakeholder engagement (e.g., city authorities) for Berlin and the consortium as a whole; engage with local stakeholders in Berlin; plan and organise stakeholder events including webinars and workshops; support maintenance and troubleshooting of installed instrumentation; data analysis and data management; input to and development of data visualisation tools for (real-time) pollution data; prepare journal articles, conference presentations and project deliverables; manage and maintain the project website; and provide general support to the project coordinator.
Essential qualifications: a Master's degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a related discipline; basic knowledge of air pollution and traffic counting measurement techniques; initial experience with projects in transport and air quality; experience working in international research projects; data analysis skills in R or Python; experience with WordPress and Elementor; experience with transdisciplinary approaches; engagement with non-academic actors strongly beneficial. Personal competencies include the ability to work independently and in a team on complex tasks, problem-solving and analytical skills, handling multiple workflows, and strong English and German language and communication skills. Desirable: other programming (e.g., SQL), experience with local stakeholders, familiarity with online instrumentation maintenance platforms, social media and science communication experience (especially LinkedIn and graphic design tools), and other European languages.
What is offered: varied tasks in a dynamic international research environment, state-of-the-art equipment, public service benefits, extensive training opportunities, in-house career advice, flexible working hours, and work-life balance support. Start date: 1 October 2026. Fixed-term until 14 July 2027. Salary group 13 according to TVöD Bund. Working hours: part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week). Place of work: RIFS campus, 14467 Potsdam.
Closing date: 17 August 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online only via the GFZ online application form: https://gfz.concludis.de/bewerber/landingpage.php?prj=580P11432&b=14&lang=en_GB&ie=1&oid= (Reference Number 11432). Applications are accepted until 17 August 2026. Required documents: letter of motivation, CV and a writing sample (e.g. policy summary or fact sheet for stakeholders). For queries about the field of activity, contact Dr. Seán Schmitz at sean.schmitz@rifs-potsdam.de; for general questions about the application process, contact the recruiting team at +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.