The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.
For the Active Landscapes Systems group in section 4.7 "Earth Surface Process Modelling", we are looking for a:
Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) in Volcanic Geomorphology
Reference Number 9687
We are looking to hiring a postdoctoral research scientist to study the geomorphological evolution and erosion of the Comoros archipelago, in order to test hypotheses regarding the chronology of volcanism and the geodynamic evolution of the area (hotspot or plate boundary?). Post-eruption aging of volcanic surfaces affects the morphology of drainage basins and river networks. The successful candidate will use tools of quantitative geomorphology (e.g., topographic analysis, landscape evolution modeling) to constrain the chronology of volcanism [Gourbet et al., 2024, O'Hara et al., 2024]. In addition, they will also take advantage of high-resolution satellite radar (SAR) data. Another potential objective of the project is to characterize lahar hazards and/or the impact of the 2018 seismic crisis on landslides occurrence. The main advisor will by Dr. Loraine Gourbet (GFZ, Earth Surface Process Modelling section), and the successful candidate will also work with Prof. Thomas Walter (GFZ, Physics of Earthquakes and Volcanoes section) and Prof. Nicolas Villeneuve (Réunion Island University).
Researchers in the Earth Surface Process Modelling section work on a broad range of themes and come from widely different backgrounds. We are committed to a collaborative environment to ensure that members can rely on each other’s support. We believe that a diverse team is a stronger team.
Your responsibilities:
- Investigate the geomorphology and landscape evolution of the Comoros archipelago
- Quantify erosion rates of the islands of the Comoros archipelago based on paleosurface reconstructions
- Propose a relative chronology of the formation of the islands and volcano structures
- Acquire and process satellite data, particularly on the active Karthala volcano
- Publish in international peer-reviewed journals and present your results at international conferences
- Contribute to writing proposals for external funding
- Actively collaborate with members of the section and collaborating sections at GFZ
Your qualifications:
- PhD in Earth Sciences (by the time of contract start)
- Demonstrated interest in volcanic geomorphology
- Proven familiarity with a programming language, ideally Matlab or Python
- Desirable familiarity with numerical modelling of landscape evolution
- Desirable experience in analyzing remote sensing data (satellite SAR, Lidar, or drones)
- Demonstrated excellence in publication (articles in revision will be taken into account)
- Documented capacity for international teamwork and excellent communication skills
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
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
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Fixed-term: 24 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?
The following documents should be submitted:
- A motivation letter describing how your profile fits the advertised position and how you would approach the project
- A detailed CV with your full publication list and other achievements, along with the names of two potential referees
Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. 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. 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 questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.
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.
