Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Numerical Modelling of High-Enthalpy Geothermal Systems 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 in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.
For section 3.1 Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry (department “Geochemistry”), we are looking for a:
Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) - Numerical Modelling of High-Enthalpy Geothermal Systems
The project will focus on the interplay of multi-phase magma and fluid flow processes, dynamic permeability evolution and geothermal wells. The simulations will be part of a collaboration within the EU project SHiFT in relation to the Iceland Deep Drilling Project.
Your responsibilities:
- Conduct original research on high-enthalpy geothermal systems
- Apply and further develop a novel coupled model for hydrothermal multi-phase fluid flow, magma evolution, dynamic permeability and well configurations
- Actively collaborate with project partners in mutual research visits and virtual meetings
- Participate in the agenda of the project, including meetings and workshops
- Report regularly to the collaborators, publish in international peer-reviewed journals and present research results at scientific meetings
About You:
Essential qualifications:
- Applicants should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) and a PhD degree (or equivalent) in a discipline of geosciences
- Background knowledge in aspects of geology, hydrothermal systems and geothermal systems relevant for the project
- Previous experience in either geology, hydrology or numerical modelling in any discipline of geosciences is advantageous
Desirable qualifications:
- Strong interest in learning new modelling techniques and further developing cutting-edge research code
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary work and scientific exchange within the project
- Willingness to work both as part of a team and independently
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 is 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
Start date: 1st September 2026
Fixed-term: 2 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam
Apply
Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 1st July 2026. Please use our online application form only.
Required documents:
- CV (including scientific publication list)
- Letter of motivation on research interests
- Names and contact information of two referees (references)
- Transcripts and diplomas for MSc and PhD degrees (certificates/grades)
Important Technical Note
Currently, email addresses associated with domains such as @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.de may experience occasional delays or restrictions in receiving messages. To ensure smooth communication during the application process, we recommend using an alternative email address and providing an additional contact method (e.g., a phone number).
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. Philipp Weis via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 331 6264‑28787.
Reference number
11286
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About the employer
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences
The GFZ is Germany’s national center for research on the solid Earth. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges—ranging from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and preserving our environment in times of global change to the responsible management of natural resources. We are a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organization. With approximately 1,200 staff and around 500 visiting researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz research area “Earth and Environment,” combining cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration.
Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies of Earth’s systems and leverages advanced technologies and infrastructures to explore solutions and bring our knowledge into society. We do all this in line with our vision: “In tune with the Earth—to preserve it as a habitable planet.”
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