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, we are looking for a:

Scientific Researcher (f_m_x) - Space Physics and Space Weather

Reference Number 11193

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:

Your responsibilities:

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

About you:

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 27****th 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 a severely disabled person 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.

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.

Scientific Researcher (f_m_x) - Space Physics and Space Weather