The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, part of the Helmholtz Association, is one of the world's leading geoscience institutions, 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 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (Department "Geodesy") is seeking four Doctoral Researchers to join Geospex (Geo-Spectral Exploration), a newly established international research group. The four PhD positions are part of Geospex, a five-year project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) under the EGARoh_Junior programme. Geospex aims to advance the exploration of critical raw materials by integrating multi-scale spectral remote sensing, detailed mineralogical and geochemical analyses, and state-of-the-art artificial intelligence. The project combines imaging spectroscopy from satellite (EnMAP), UAV, field and laboratory platforms across VNIR, SWIR and LWIR ranges, with research conducted at world-class deposits in Australia, Chile, Canada, Namibia and Brazil, targeting pegmatites, carbonatites, alkaline igneous complexes, porphyry copper systems and nickel laterites, in collaboration with universities, geological surveys and mineral exploration companies.
Responsibilities: conduct independent doctoral research within the Geospex scientific framework; plan and participate in international field campaigns at one of the study sites; collect and analyse spectral data using spaceborne, UAV-based, field and laboratory spectroscopic systems; collect geological samples from outcrops and drill cores and perform laboratory characterisation using GFZ's geochemical analytical facilities; develop innovative methodologies integrating remote sensing, spectroscopy, geochemistry and artificial intelligence; process, integrate and interpret 2D/3D geospatial, spectral, mineralogical and geochemical datasets; publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences; and collaborate closely with project partners from academia, geological surveys and industry.
Essential qualifications: MSc in Earth Sciences (Geology, Economic Geology, Mineral Exploration, Geochemistry), Remote Sensing, Computer Science or a closely related discipline; strong interest in critical raw material exploration and interdisciplinary geoscience research; excellent analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills; willingness to undertake international fieldwork including in remote areas; ability to work independently and collaboratively; excellent written and spoken English. Candidates should have experience or demonstrated interest in at least two of: economic geology and mineral exploration; field geology and geological data collection; spectroscopy and remote sensing (imaging spectroscopy, hyperspectral data analysis, mineral mapping); geochemistry, mineralogy and analytical techniques (XRF, XRD, ICP-MS, SEM/EPMA); data analysis, programming and AI (Python, algorithm development, geospatial analysis, machine/deep learning). Desirable: UAV operation experience or pilot certificate; knowledge of German, Spanish and/or Portuguese; a valid driving licence.
Conditions: start as soon as possible; fixed-term 36 months; salary group 13 TVoeD Bund; part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week); place of work Potsdam (Albert Einstein Science Park, Telegrafenberg). GFZ offers flexible working hours, an on-site day-care centre, career advice, and support for work-life balance, and actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities.
Closing date: 31 August 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the GFZ online application form only (https://gfz.concludis.de/bewerber/landingpage.php?prj=580P11468&b=12&lang=en_GB&ie=1&oid=) by 31 August 2026, quoting Reference Number 11468. Required documents: curriculum vitae including names and contact details of two academic referees; letter of motivation describing your research interests and how your background fits the Geospex project; copies of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates and academic transcripts; proof of English language proficiency where applicable. For queries about the field of activity contact Dr. Saeid Asadzadeh (saeid.asadzadeh@gfz.de); for general application process questions contact the recruiting team at +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.