Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) in Dendroclimatology and Dendroecology GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

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

Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) in Dendroclimatology and Dendroecology

Reference Number 11115

The Postdoc position is one of three in a cluster hire. It is embedded in the Helmholtz long-term environmental observatory network TERENO and the EU-funded regional project ArboKlim, carried out by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in close collaboration with local partners. ArboKlim investigates the impacts of climate change on tree vitality, mechanical stability, and associated risks in and around the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of Potsdam, Germany. To improve the understanding of tree responses to increasing frequency and intensities of weather extremes, the project integrates monitoring of eco-hydrological and seismic signals with physical and chemical signatures preserved in tree rings. The goal of ArboKlim is to develop scientifically robust indicators and practical tools that support risk assessment, vegetation management, and the long-term resilience of culturally and socially important green spaces under climate change. Your responsibilities:

• Conduct tree-ring sampling campaigns, carry out tree-ring analyses (ring width, stable isotopes, wood anatomy & chemistry), guide and train technical staff
• Analyse and interpret time series of environmental monitoring data, and physical/ chemical parameters from tree rings
• Apply and further develop signal-processing and data-analysis methods
• Identify, calibrate and validate signals of environmental forcing and (wind-induced) tree-motion patterns preserved in physical and chemical tree ring parameters
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences
• Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration within GFZ, PIK and other partner institutions and especially close collaboration with the other two Postdocs hired in this project.
• Communicate and discuss results with stakeholders to integrate the findings in water management and mitigation practices

Your qualifications:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in Geosciences, Environmental sciences, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Physics or Mathematics or a related discipline
• Experience in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar), interest in machine learning for pattern recognition and data integration
• Training in quantitative data analysis, including time-series analysis, multivariate statistics, uncertainty assessment and hypothesis testing
• Ability to design and conduct field and laboratory experiments and to handle large, multi-sensor, high-frequency, long-term datasets
• Ability to work in the field, including extended walking and carrying of heavy loads
• Training background in tree-ring science (dendrochronology, climatology), and/or eco-hydrology, and a strong interest in processes within the atmosphere-tree-soil nexus will be of advantage
• Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team
• Very good written and spoken English, knowledge of the German language is an asset
• Valid driving licence category B

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