For section 4.4 Hydrology (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:

Research Scientist / Postdoc (f_m_x) in Hydrology

Reference Number 10904

Helmholtz Solution Lab Rur Erft (SLRE)

In the frame of the Helmholtz "Water Safety and Security" campaign, the Solution Lab Rur Erft (SLRE) aims to develop solutions, engineering and nature-based, for coping with water extremes – both droughts and floods in the Rur and Erft basins. Thus, in the context of too much water, but often not enough, identifying solutions in front of the background of multiple sources of uncertainty represents a key challenge for future water safety and security, as well as climate change adaptation. The SLRE approach is based on developing digital twins used to simulate storylines and explore solution spaces in an interactive solution room, in close collaboration with partners at other Helmholtz Centres and regional stakeholders, through a co-design and transfer-by-design approach.

Your responsibilities:

Contribute to an iterative development of storylines in close cooperation with strakeholders
Implement hydrologic and hydrodynamic models according to the storylines for the focus regions
Contribute to the implementation of the models within a digital twin
Engage in simulating various storyline scenarios and explore results with project partners and stakeholders
Present and publish research results at scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

A Master's Degree and a PhD (certificate available at the start of the work contract) in Hydrology, Environmental Sciences or related disciplines
Demonstrated experience in the application of hydrological and hydrodynamic models for water resources research
Solid understanding of the terrestrial water cycle, particularly of the flood risk system
Experience in statistical data analysis, machine learning and AI-based modelling
Experience in research software development and open-science workflows (e.g., Fortran, Python, Git)
Publication record demonstrating independent research ability
Fluency in English (written and oral)
Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed-term: 36 months

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

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 4 th January 2026.

Required documents: CV and letter of motivation

**Desirable documents:**references, certificates/grades

Please use our online application form only.

Apply

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. In case of 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.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Sergiy Vorogushyneither via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

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Research Scientist*in / Postdoc (f_m_x) in Hydrology

Research Scientist*in / Postdoc (f_m_x) in Hydrology