Scientific Researcher (f_m_x) – Landscape Evolution in a Biodiversity Hotspot

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 in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 4.6 Geomorphology (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:

Scientific Researcher (f_m_x) – Landscape Evolution in a Biodiversity Hotspot

Reference Number 11292

The successful candidate should have a track record of excellent research in Landscape Evolution in the biodiversity hotspot of Central America and/or Colombia to lead research initiatives we have started in that region. Job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks related to scientific research, including but not limited to:

Your responsibilities:

• Conducting excellent scientific research - furthering understanding of landscape evolution using combined and/or novel approaches (e.g., numerical simulation, data assimilation and collection of new data, satellite data analysis, stratigraphic and sedimentary analysis)
• Writing proposals for research funding to start a research group (e.g., Emmy Noether grant, ERC Starting Grant)
• Writing and submitting scientific papers
• Assist and co-supervise students in the analysis of digital elevation datasets, designing sampling strategies, and analysing data
• Participating in teaching courses such as Surface Processes and Active Tectonics
• Presenting work at scientific conferences

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• A PhD and Master's degree (or equivalent) in Geology, Geomorphology, Tectonics, or related field
• Excellent track record of scientific research and publication
• Demonstrated experience with data analysis and/or numerical simulations
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluency in English (written and oral), Strong competency in Spanish
• Familiarity with cosmogenic and thermochronologic data analysis
• Experience with organising and conducting field work in a tropical setting

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working in a clean laboratory
• Driver’s license

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 12 Monate
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Teilzeit 75% (derzeit 29,25 h/Woche)
Place of work: Potsdam

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
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 4th June 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents:

Letter of motivation, CV, contact details of two references

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. If you have any 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.

Data protection information for applicants

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Taylor Schildgen 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.