Scientist (f_m_x) - Environmental sensing and method/sensor development in catchment hydrology 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 4.4. Hydrology (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:
Scientist (f_m_x) - Environmental sensing and method/sensor development in catchment hydrology
The Section Hydrology at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, in collaboration with the University of Bayreuth, is offering a scientist position within the DFG-funded Research Unit “Fast and invisible: Conquering Subsurface Stormflow (SSF) through an Interdisciplinary Multi-Site Approach”.
Research will focus specifically on investigating hillslope-riparian zone-stream connectivity at the reach to catchment scale. A novel experimental design is used to identify hillslope SSF and to track its physical and chemical signatures during passage through the riparian zone and along the stream channel network based on hydrometric and tracer-hydrological measurements. Experimental work will be conducted in three catchments in Germany. Being part of the research unit provides a unique chance of being embedded in an interdisciplinary and enthusiastic research network and to gain insights into a diverse range of methodological approaches.
Your responsibilities:
- Tracer experiments in the stream, with a focus on the development of a novel monitoring system (this will include optimising and debugging logger programs, wireless data transfer, power management and developing calibration routines; use of microcontrollers possible)
- Development of signal processing routines for high-frequency measurements
- Installation, optimisation and maintenance of monitoring equipment
- Assessment of groundwater inflows through distributed temperature sensing (fibre-optic cables, DTS, thermal infrared imagery)
- In-depth data analysis using R, Python or Matlab
- Presentation and publication of scientific results
About You:
Essential Qualifications:
- MSc degree (in exceptional cases also a BSc) in electrical engineering or similar background with interests in environmental sensing, or strong interests and some proven experience in sensor use and development with a degree in hydrology, geosciences, geophysics, environmental sciences, engineering or a closely related field
- You are enthusiastic, curious, self-driven and committed, and you enjoy working in the field as part of a larger team (regular field campaigns of 5-10 days are to be expected). You are willing to handle responsibility and also enjoy programming as well as interacting with sensor hardware
- Some experience in environmental field work, awareness of the challenges involved
- Excellent quantitative skills (programming and data analysis, data management)
- Very good English writing and communication skills
- A valid driver’s license (European Cat. B) is required
Desirable Qualifications:
- Some knowledge of or interest in DIY environmental sensing based on Arduinos/microcontrollers is an advantage
- German is an asset but not essential
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
Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 18 months
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund ”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam
Reference number
11399
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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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GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences
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