Area of research: Student assistants
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. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. For section 1.3 Earth System Modelling (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for: Reference Number 11059 Section 1.3 Earth System Modelling of GFZ is focusing on the numerical representation of transient dynamics in both the solid Earth and near-surface geophysical fluids like atmosphere and ocean. We are particularly interested in modelling phenomena that affect present-day geodetic and geophysical observations taken on the ground or from space.
In order to provide prospective PhD students with early insights into our work, we are offering two student assistant positions to work on a small research project from the variety of themes outlined on our website.
Global ocean tides
Ocean data assimilation and nudging
Soil moisture and surface water mass re-distribution
Literature study on a dedicated topic in Earth System Modelling
Design of a model experiment with a controlled variation of a small set of parameters
Statistical analysis and plotting of numerical model results
Enrolment at a German University
Basic knowledge of Linux computing environments, including batch and/or Python scripting
Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
State-of-the-art equipment
Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
According to the rules of the TdL (tariff area East) for student assistants currently € 13.98 (without a Bachelor's degree) and € 14,59 (with a Bachelor's degree/FH degree).
CV, letter of motivation, valid certificate of enrolment in full-time studies at a German UniversityPlease 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. 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. Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 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.
This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. Within each of these fields, research programs are developed by our scientists and regularly evaluated by renowned international experts. They form the basis for scientific advances in tackling global societal challenges. Helmholtz scientists, a high-performance infrastructure and modern and efficient research management are the ingredients to the Helmholtz Association‘s success and global impact.
Its qualification schemes for young researchers are geared mainly towards PhD students, postdocs and young managers. Its strategy begins with targeted recruitment of highly qualified staff at all levels, followed by comprehensive support aimed at further developing their potential. The Helmholtz Graduate Schools and Research Schools at almost all Helmholtz Centers provide doctoral students with the general and specific skills and training they need, as well as ample opportunity to network. For this reason, we established Career Development Centers for postdoctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Centers. To this end, there are currently two funding programs supporting this policy: and Helmholtz Distinguished Professorship – Funding for the recruitment of leading international female scientists (W3).
The increasing complexity of the content, structures and framework conditions of scientific work today requires researchers to organize their projects, their employees and, of course, themselves in a highly professional and effective way.