Overview
GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating natural hazards to managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association and pursue international collaboration in Earth and Environment research under the motto “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet.”
For section 1.3 "Earth System Modelling" (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for a PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in the Antarctic Research program.
Position
PhD Candidate (f_m_x) in the "Antarctic Research"
Reference Number 10727
Project and collaboration
We offer a position for the project “Advancing the understanding of glacial isostatic adjustment in Antarctica” (ANT-GIA) as part of the German Research Foundation's priority programme "Antarctic Research". The project is realized together with the Technical University Dresden. You will closely cooperate with the PhD student at TU Dresden to link modelling of glacial-isostatic adjustment (GIA) with the interpretation of geodetic GNSS measurements. You will focus on numerical modelling of the GIA process and develop constraints from geological and glacial-geomorphological findings for reconstructing ice-load history in Antarctic regions and the geodynamic state of the Earth's structure below Antarctica. The project involves collaboration with national and international partners within the priority program “Antarctic Research”, with the main goal of improving understanding of GIA-driven processes and GIA modelling in Antarctica.
Your responsibilities
* Analysis, processing and evaluation of different glaciation histories with a focus on the mid Holocene and the Little Ice Age
* Numerical GIA modelling with advanced 3D codes, evaluation and validation of results in collaboration with TU Dresden
* Discussion and improvement of viscoelastic mantle structures in view of geodynamic constraints
* Application and refinement of GIA models for specific regions of Antarctica
* Documentation of process chains, presentation of results at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals
* University degree in geophysics or a related subject (physics, mathematics or geosciences)
* Experience in numerical modelling of geodynamic processes and/or continuum mechanics
* Asset: command of modelling the interlink between the solid Earth and ice sheets
* Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to apply multidisciplinary knowledge
* Proficiency in scripting and programming languages (shell, Python or C++); knowledge of FORTRAN beneficial
* Strong social and communication skills
* Proficiency in English (level B2 to C1 CEFR)
What we offer
* Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
* Public service benefits
* Extensive training opportunities
* Career advice through our in-house Career-Centre
* Flexible working hours and conditions
* Support for work-life balance (benefit@work)
* Work at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
* Proximity to Potsdam main train station or shuttle bus access
Fixed-term: 36 months
Salary: Classed as salary group 13 according to TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost); final group depends on qualifications.
Working hours: Part-time 75% (≈29.25 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 13 October 2025.
Required documents: CV, motivation letter, certificates (grades)
Please use our online application form only.
Apply
Equality and data protection
GFZ actively promotes diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. We commit to gender equality in science and leadership and encourage women to apply. Personal data will be processed for the selection procedure under GDPR and will be deleted after the procedure is completed in accordance with data protection regulations. For questions regarding gender equality or the application process, please contact the Equal Opportunities Officer or the recruiting team.
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