Postdoc position (f_m_x) – High resolution global gravity field modeling

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 1.2 Globales Geomonitoring und Schwerefeld (department 1 'Geodesy'), we are looking for a:

Postdoc position (f_m_x) – High resolution global gravity field modeling

Reference Number 10251

Gravitational field modelling of near-Earth surface for geodetic and geophysical applications (GRAV4GEO)
 

The Earth’s gravity field can be mapped globally based on satellite observations and surface gravity measurements. However, the spatial resolution is limited due to the band-limited spectral content of the input data. The DFG-funded GRAV4GEO project aims to expand the resolution of global gravity field models beyond their limits using a forward gravity modelling technique based on very high-resolution digital elevation data and laterally varying mass density information (instead of commonly used averaged density values). Such an approach allows for complementing the medium to very short wavelength information of the global gravity field. GRAV4GEO aims at developing topographic gravity field models in terms of ellipsoidal and spherical harmonic coefficients for the Earth’s upper crust, which represents an important part of the entire gravitational potential of the Earth. 

Your responsibilities:

• Development of new input data files: Merging global density files for crust and upper crust, replacing density grids where known regional density files exist
• Validation, adaption, optimization of existing software written in C++ and Fortran
• Preparation and update of a user manual for the developed software
• Generation of global high resolution topographicgravity field models in terms of ellipsoidal harmonics based on merged crustal density and digital elevation data
• Collaboration with colleagues working in the field of 3D gravity modelling (e.g., using IGMAS + software) and International Height Reference Frame studies
• Presenting the results of your work on related geoscientific conferences and to publish scientific results in highly-ranked international journals

Your qualification and skills:

• Master`s degree or equivalent and a PhD in geodesy, (geo-)physics, mathematics or a related discipline
• Solid background in potential theory and preferably experience in global gravity field modelling
• Strong foundation in forward gravity modelling and related data analysis
• Demonstrated excellent programming skills in C++ and FORTRAN and editing source codes written in these languages
• Familiarity with computational techniques of high performance massive parallel computing in Linux Environment e.g., on the basis of the Message Passing Interface (MPI)
• Ability to work independently
• Ability for and willingness to work in a multidisciplinary team and to communicate with collaborators
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

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
• Work place 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: 18 month

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 26th of March 2025

Required documents: CV, a letter of motivation

Please use our online application form only.

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. In case of 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.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. E. Sinem Ince either via email or phone +49 (0)331-6264-28692. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

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