Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Generative AI for Earth System Sciences Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Generative AI for Earth System Sciences

Artificial intelligence (AI) methods, particularly generative AI, have the potential to significantly advance and transform Earth System Sciences (ESS), especially given the complexity of the Earth system as a dynamic system of interacting components. Generative AI enables to identify general structures across a wide range of problems, which can be addressed to specific tasks in subsequent research questions.

“GenAI4Earth” will go beyond the state-of-the-art by designing, deploying, and operating trustworthy, reusable GenAI services within the EOSC ecosystem, built on FAIR data, models, and workflows. The goal of this position is to develop data-driven approaches to AI-supported analysis for applications in ESS as part of the EU project “GenAI4Earth.” To this end, current developments in the field of AI (e.g., Edge AI, Sustainable AI, Agentic AI) will be addressed and translated into concrete application scenarios.

Your Responsibilities:

• Conducting research in the field of generative AI methodology
• Developing generative AI methods and services for research data and metadata management in interdisciplinary research projects
• Developing AI models for Earth System Sciences applications
• Contributing to GenAI4Earth infrastructure architecture – core federated services, compute, AI-ready datasets, testing and validation
• Publication of research papers in relevant academic journals and participation in conferences
• Participation in the application process for national and international research projects
• Participation in GFZ-wide projects in the field of AI

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• A Master's degree and a PhD in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or in a related field
• In-depth knowledge in current methodology of AI (Deep Learning, generative AI, Explainable AI, …) and relevant programming frameworks
• Advanced programming skills in relevant programming languages and contexts (e.g., Python, HPC/GPU programming, big data applications)
• Strong team spirit and experience in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of German
• Experience in scientific research in the field of generative AI
• Experience with interdisciplinary research projects
• Experience in working in an international team
• Solid understanding of data-driven modelling and related mathematical and statistical methods
• Excellent communication skills
• Proactivity, follow-up and keeping deadlines, initiative, problem-solving skills

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
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed-term: 3 years

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund “. 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 22nd July 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents: letter of motivation, CV and certificates/grades

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.