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.

The Section Hydrology at the GFZ searches for a PhD candidate to work in the framework of the JCAR ATRACE project. You will be part of a community of PhD students from multiple affiliate institutions, all working to reduce risk from extreme hydrological events in Europe. In this context, you are expected to interact and collaborate with candidates from other partner institutions.

We seek a PhD candidate with experience in modelling, statistics and programming and with interest in hydrological extremes and risk research. The PhD candidate is expected to develop plausible worst-case floods, quantify their impacts and develop measures to reduce disastrous consequences.

The successful candidate should have the interest and ability to participate in collaborative and interdisciplinary research activities and discussions in the field of hydrological extremes and disaster management. The candidate is expected to closely collaborate with research partners from the JCAR-ATRACE network and with regional stakeholders, and present, publish and communicate research results at scientific meetings and in scholarly journals.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop methods to construct plausible High-Impact / Low-Probability events including physical and societal processes
• Simulate High-Impact / Low-Probability events for transboundary catchments and design adequate risk reduction measures in discussion with regional stakeholders
• Present, publish and communicate research results at scientific meetings and in scholarly journals
• Undertake a PhD study at the University of Potsdam
• Be an active part of the JCAR ATRACE community, participate in events, and develop collaborations.

Your qualifications:

• Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Geoinformatics, Physics or related fields
• Good programming skills
• Expertise in modelling is beneficial
• Capacity for interdisciplinary teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Ability to communicate in English fluently. German language command is an advantage