Doctoral researcher (f_m_x) – Volcano deformation hazards and interaction

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 2.1 "Physics of Earthquakes and Volcanoes" (department “Geophysics”), we are looking for a:

Doctoral researcher (f_m_x) – Volcano deformation hazards and interaction with hydrothermal alteration

Reference Number 11395

This position is part of the “ROTTnROCK” working group, a synergy project funded by the European Research Council. Candidates with expertise in the subject fields – remote sensing and volcano physics– are encouraged to apply. The position will be funded and will also cover funds for computer power, fieldwork, visiting conferences and workshops, and publication charges. By using innovative geospatial records and data science, the candidate shall quantify the intensity, type, and spatial gradation of hydrothermal alteration.

Your responsibilities:

• Analysing satellite data of volcanoes (using tristereo, radar, hyperspectral sensors) and comparing alteration vs topography vs deformation over the last years and decades (using archive satellite data)
• Use small, unoccupied aircraft systems (drones) that carry miniature sensors. Data will be processed using computer vision concepts such as point cloud matching, image correlation and structure-from-motion (SfM) workflows, and morphology will be studied using offset and change detection
• Working on machine learning and/or classification and mineral mapping approaches to quantify dimensions and controls of hydrothermal alteration
• Developing 4D digital representations of volcanoes, including independent (geophysical) records (digital twins)
• Close collaboration with the rock mechanical labs, petrology labs and numerical modelling labs of partner institutes (co-supervision).
• Planning and executing field expeditions at remote and active volcanoes

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• MSc in Earth Science (e.g., Geophysics, Geology, Geography), with a deep knowledge of remote sensing and data analysis
• Experience in active (SAR, InSAR) and passive (multi- and hyperspectral) remote sensing
• Background and interest in volcanology
• Capability for fieldwork and hikes in harsh (but exciting) environments
• Car driving and drone flying license

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience 3D object reconstruction, structure from motion and point cloud analysis
• Experience in machine learning
• Be a team player
• Good written and oral skills in English

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 36 Monate
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Teilzeit 75% (derzeit 29,25 h/Woche)
Place of work: Potsdam

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

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 9thAugust 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents:

• CV (including names and contact details of two professors, who can judge and write a short informal reference letter)
• letter of motivation
• certificates/grades

Important Technical Note: Currently, email addresses associated with domains such as @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.de may experience occasional delays or restrictions in receiving messages. To ensure smooth communication during the application process, we recommend using an alternative email address and providing an additional contact method (e.g., a phone number).

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 Dr. Thomas Walter 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.