Research Fellow (f_m_x) - Physicist/ Geophysicist (f_m_x) in absolute Quantum Gravimetry

GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung

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 2.2 Geophysical Imaging (department “Geophysics”), we are looking for a:

Research Fellow (f_m_x) – Physicist/ Geophysicist (f_m_x) in absolute Quantum Gravimetry

Reference Number 10887

Recent advances in quantum technology have made operational quantum gravimeters possible, surpassing conventional devices in precision and versatility. In this context, the EU-funded EQUIP-G project will deploy a network of Absolute Quantum Gravimeters (AQG) across Europe, forming the first terrestrial segment of a pan-European quantum gravimetry infrastructure. This network will support key priorities like the Green Deal, energy management, and risk mitigation. It aims to democratise access to advanced quantum gravity instruments and build a strong European gravimetry community through rigorous testing and FAIR data management. In this context, GFZ takes part in one of the selected test-case, the Theistareykir geothermal reservoir (North Iceland). GFZ has been monitoring subsurface mass transfers with a multiparameter network including two superconducting gravity (SG) meters. Due to instrumental drift, SGs cannot precisely detect relatively small gravity changes occurring over time scales of months to years and absolute measurements have been performed to correct for it. Within Equip-G, the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI), the National Land Survey of Finland (NLS) and GFZ will perform three 3-month campaigns of quantum gravimetry in the geothermal field. In each campaign, the AQG will perform continuous measurements at the SG installation sites, providing (a) absolute gravity reference to correct the drift on the data from the SGs, as well as (b) time-series offering independent insight into the short-term (days to weeks) gravity changes induced by the redistributions of the geothermal masses. Your responsibilities:

• Contribute to AQG data acquisition and processing for the Iceland test-bed and their validation
• Contribute to the maintenance of the superconducting gravity meters and the geophysical network in Iceland during the 2 years of the AQG campaigns
• Integrate the AQG and SG gravity data and other geophysical data in geothermal models
• Potential test of innovative complementary methods for integration in the geothermal models
• Contribute to selected other test cases within Equip-G
• Publication of scientific results and participation in scientific conferences (EGU)

Your qualifications:

• MSc and PhD degree in Physics, Mathematics or Geosciences (Geophysics, Gravimetry, Geodesy, Deformation); Experience in seismology or associated techniques is a plus
• Proven experience in data processing, numerical modelling and inversion
• Experience in coding (Python, Matlab, Fortran, C/C++, bash)
• Excellent publication track record
• Capacity for interdisciplinary, international teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Experience in teaching or collaboration with industry will be considered as a plus
• Experience in the supervision of MSc/PhD students is a plus
• Proficiency in spoken and written English; knowledge of German is a plus

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