Scientific Researcher (f_m_x) – Space Physics and Space Weather Full-time

Scientific Researcher (f_m_x) – Space Physics and Space Weather

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 1.5 Space Physics and Space Weather (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for a:

We are looking for a scientific researcher to join our team! The successful candidate should have a track record of excellent research in Space Physics and Space Weather. Job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks related to scientific programming, including but not limited to:

• Conducting excellent scientific research – furthering understanding of near-Earth space environment and particle interactions using novel approaches (satellite data analysis, numerical simulation, data assimilation, machine learning, etc.)
• Writing proposals for research funding
• Writing and submitting scientific papers
• Help and co-supervise students about the development, improvement and optimisation of models
• Participating in teaching

Essential qualifications:

• PhD and Master's degree (or equivalent) in Space Physics, Space Weather, or related field
• Excellent programming skills
• Excellent track record of scientific research and publication
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluency in English (written and oral)

Desired qualifications:

• Proven experience in scientific programming (e.g., Python, C/C++, Fortran, Matlab, IDL)
• Demonstrated experience with data analysis and/or numerical simulations

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: 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? If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 20th May 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents: CV (including a statement of your programming skills), letter of motivation as well as a list of three referees and their contact details

Desirable documents: Any relevant certifications

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 model measures, 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 Prof. Dr. Yuri Shprits or Dr. Dedong Wang 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.