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 (https://www.gfz.de/en/section/hydrology/overview) (department “Geosystems” (https://www.gfz.de/en/departments/geosystems) ), we are looking for a:

Engineer (f_m_x) – Terrestrial hydrogravimetry

Reference Number 10488

Are you passionate about cutting-edge science and its potential to address real-world challenges? We are excited to be seeking a talented Field Engineer to join our team working on a groundbreaking EU-funded project, EQUIP-G. This project is all about the newest technological development in gravimetry: quantum gravimeters, instruments that are becoming increasingly important in fields like hydrology, volcanology, climatology, and geothermal energy.

As a core of EQUIP-G, we will set up the first network of quantum gravimeters as an infrastructure prototype across Europe. We will bring this technology to life through numerous use cases that act as a proof-of-concept of this cutting-edge technology and demonstrate its added value for research and applications. At GFZ, we are leading 3 of these 8 use cases. You will be involved in all stages, from development, testing and deployment to data collection and analysis. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a truly innovative project and become part of an internationally growing community of scientists and engineers.

Your responsibilities:

• Design and test field enclosures, transportation units and setups for field deployment of the quantum gravimeter systems (mechanical components, electronics, power supply, data transfer)
• Conduct gravimetric and hydrological surveys and field measurements
• Support the design and execution of innovative field experiments
• Plan and support the installation of gravimeters at hydro-meteorological monitoring stations in outdoor settings
• Assemble and use open-source/open-hardware electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) devices

Your qualifications:

• Master's or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, geophysics, electronics, or a related discipline
• Proven experience with electric circuit design, wiring and proper inclusion of different electric components as well as basic electronic knowledge
• Enthusiasm and creativity in designing and assembling measurement set-ups
• Preferably experience with data logger systems and sensors
• Experience with micro-controllers and programming is an asset
• Experience with geophysical field measurements is an asset
• 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
• Willingness for field work up to a duration of 3 weeks per trip
• Driving license

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
• 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: 48 months
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 11 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: Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 6th July 2025 .

Required documents: CV and letter of motivation

Please use our online application form only.

Apply (https://gfz.concludis.de/bewerber/landingpage.php?prj=580P10488&oid=&qid=0&b=12&ie=1&lang=en_GB)

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 (https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/employee-representation) .

“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 (https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/equal-opportunities) 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 Prof. Dr. Andreas Güntner (mailto:andreas.guentner@gfz.de) . If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

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