Head of section 1.2 “Global Geomonitoring and Gravity Field” (f_m_x)

at  GFZ HelmholtzZentrum fr Geoforschung

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 according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences GFZ invites applications for the
Head of section 1.2 “Global Geomonitoring and Gravity Field” (fmx)

REFERENCE NUMBER 10107

The GFZ department “Geodesy” has five independent sections that together advance the goals of the Helmholtz research programme “Changing Earth -Sustaining our Future” and provide important GFZ services and infrastructure within the Modular Earth Science lnfrastructure (MESI). With this call, we are looking for a head of the section 1.2 “Global Geomonitoring and Gravity Field” of the department “Geodesy”. The section focuses on the development and operation of infrastructures for gravity field observations on global to local scales and their applications spanning from geodynamic and climatic processes to water budget and hazard monitoring.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS:

We expect applications from candidates with outstanding achievements and commitment to research in physical geodesy (PhD required). Established expertise in modern geodetic observation techniques, in the analysis of geodetic monitoring data, as well as their connection with global change is expected. Experience in the planning, coordination and operation of geodetic satellite missions is advantageous. The applicant should be an internationally recognized expert with proven track record of acquiring and managing third party funded projects as well as broad experience in interdisciplinary national/international cooperation. Demonstrated ability to guide a research unit of scientists and technicians with associated observational infrastructure is most welcome. Willingness and capability to develop a gender and diversity strategy for the section is anticipated. The candidate is expected to contribute to the strategic development of the interdisciplinary research programme of the Helmholtz research field “Earth and Environment”, to enhance the cooperation within GFZ and with external partners, and to consider this in a scientific concept for the section. Openness to rise to new scientific occasions as well as readiness to participate in projects promoting technology and knowledge transfer are expected.
Start date: 1st June 2025
Duration: Permanent
Salary: An attractive salary commensurate with the position and responsibilities within the framework of the public service remuneration structures (Federal Government) or according to the Federal Remuneration Act (BBesG).
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

The successful candidate will direct and represent the field of physical geodesy at GFZ with a particular focus on the earth’s gravity field and head section 1.2 with its observational facilities. The area of responsibilities will include observation, analysis, modelling, and interpretation of the static and time-variable earth’s gravity field from local to global scales. The future head is expected to advance the section’s scientific profile in the Helmholtz research programme as well as within the international geodetic community. This includes significant contributions to

• the development, operation and analysis of geodetic satellite missions,
• the advancement of terrestrial and airborne gravimetry,
• the determination of orbit dynamics and earth system parameters.