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”.
For section 4.4 Hydrology (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:
Postdoctoral researcher (fmx) on glacier monitoring in Central Asia

REFERENCE NUMBER 10223

We are seeking a postdoctoral research scientist to work in the frame of the CAWa-Green project, which is the part of the “Green Central Asia” initiative of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany to Central Asia. The postdoctoral research scientist will focus on the monitoring and modelling of cryosphere (glaciers and snow) in the Central Asian region by using observations as well as globally available data (e.g. remote sensing, reanalysis, glacier inventories). By using modelling and monitoring approach (e.g. field work), (i) the assessment of climate impact on glaciers and snow in Central Asia, (ii) the assessment of glacier degradation in different parts of the region; and (iii) assessment of changes in snow accumulation and melt will be achieved. The expected outcomes should support the policy dialog in Central Asia by disseminating project results to regional water organizations.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) and PhD in hydrology, cryosphere, glaciology, data sciences, or in a related field
• Advanced expertise in spatial data analysis, assimilation methods for Earth science applications
• Expertise in the field of glaciology and glaciological modelling
• Demonstrated expertise on remote sensing data applications is an asset
• Practical programming skills
• Demonstrated capacity for international teamwork, and excellent communication skills
• Creative and critical thinking and the ability to publish, demonstrated by a record of original and innovative publications
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, knowledge of Russian language will be an asset
• Knowledge in hydrological modelling will be an asset
  Start date: 1st May 2025
  Fixed-term: 12 Monate
  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

• Glaciological modelling using observed and remote sensing data
• Climate impact assessment on the cryosphere of Central Asia
• Organization and participation at glacier expeditions in Central Asia
• Contribution in the development of policy briefs using the modelling results
• Presentation of results at scientific meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Compiling operational project reports and deliverables
• Publication of project results in scientific journals