Two Students Assistants (f_m_x) in Earth System Modelling
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

Temporary

Part Time

Apply by: 2026-03-15

Published: 2026-01-21

Potsdam

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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 1.3 Earth System Modelling (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for:

Two Students Assistants (f_m_x) in Earth System Modelling

Reference Number 11059

Section 1.3 Earth System Modelling of GFZ is focusing on the numerical representation of transient dynamics in both the solid Earth and near-surface geophysical fluids like atmosphere and ocean. We are particularly interested in modelling phenomena that affect present-day geodetic and geophysical observations taken on the ground or from space.

In order to provide prospective PhD students with early insights into our work, we are offering two student assistant positions to work on a small research project from the variety of themes outlined on our website.

Examples are:

Global ocean tides
Sea-level variations due to past and present ice-mass changes
Ocean data assimilation and nudging
Soil moisture and surface water mass re-distribution
AI-based forecasting
Glacial isostatic adjustment and large-scale surface deformations

We support to increase the number of female researchers and, therefore, particularly invite interested women to apply.

Your responsibilities:

Literature study on a dedicated topic in Earth System Modelling
Design of a model experiment with a controlled variation of a small set of parameters
Statistical analysis and plotting of numerical model results
Presentation of results in a small group seminar

Your qualifications:

B.Sc. in Science or Engineering
Enrolment at a German University
Basic knowledge of Linux computing environments, including batch and/or Python scripting
Basic knowledge of time series analysis methods

What we offer:

Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
State-of-the-art equipment
Flexible working hours and conditions
Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date:

1st June 2026

Fixed-term:

2 months

Salary:

According to the rules of the TdL (tariff area East) for student assistants currently € 13.98 (without a Bachelor's degree) and € 14,59 (with a Bachelor's degree/FH degree).

Working hours:

9,5 h to 20 h/week (38 h to 80 h/month)

Place of work:

Potsdam

Job location

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About the employer

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

Potsdam + 6

> 1000 employees

German + 1

Established 1992

14 Jobs

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.”