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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 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:

Postdoctoral Researcher & Project manager of ERC LIMIT2ADAPT (f_m_x) – Assessment of flood risk

Reference Number 11214

In the section Hydrology, we are seeking a motivated an talented Postdoctoral Researcher & Project manager to work for the ERC Synergy Grant Project “LIMIT2ADAPT - When and where do we reach the limits of adaptation to riverine flood risk?”.

You have expertise in exposure and risk research, large data assessment, programming and machine learning. If so, we encourage you to apply!

You will develop exposure and physical vulnerability maps for past and future (1970-2100) and integrate these into a flood risk and adaptation modelling system. You will develop approaches in four case study areas (Rhine, Mekong, Pungwe, Upper Mississippi) and subsequently upscale to the global scale.

You have the interest and ability to participate and manage collaborative and interdisciplinary research activities and discussions in the field of flood risk and adaptation modelling. You will closely collaborate with external partners, and present, publish and communicate research results at international conferences and in scholarly journals.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop exposure and physical vulnerability maps for past and future
• Integrate exposure and vulnerability data into a dynamic modelling system
• Establish (semi-)automatic, dynamic risk assessment workflows
• Manage and support the collaboration with project partners and beyond in an interdisciplinary (natural and social sciences), international context (about 20% of the working time may be dedicated to project management)
• Present, publish and communicate research results at scientific meetings and in scholarly journals

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• A Master's degree and a PhD in Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography, Engineering, Geoinformatics or related fields
• Understanding of adaptation concepts and flood risk system: hazard, exposure, vulnerability and adaptation
• Experience in handling large data
• Advanced programming and code management skills (Python, R, GIT, …)
• Capacity for interdisciplinary teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Ability to communicate in English fluently

Desirable Qualifications:

• Demonstrated advanced knowledge in exposure and risk research
• Expertise in machine learning and Bayesian statistics is beneficial
• Experience in project management is advantageous

Start date: 1st July 2026
Fixed-term: 2 Jahre (with possibility of extension)
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Vollzeit (derzeit 39 h/Woche); Die Stelle ist grundsätzlich teilzeitgeeignet.
Place of work: Potsdam

What we offer:

• Work on a scientifically exciting, socially highly relevant, and globally visible ERC Synergy Grant project
• Collaborate with leading scientists and their research groups
• Take on ambitious and diverse tasks in a dynamic, 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

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 10th May 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents:

• CV (including scientific publication list as well as names and contact information of two referees)
• Letter of motivation
• Grades, transcripts and certificates for your master's and PhD degree in a single document - if not available, a confirmation from your institution on completed degree by the application deadline

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. If you have any 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 modelmeasures, 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.

Data protection information for applicants.

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact PD Dr. Heidi Kreibich 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.