Head of Section 1.1 "Space Geodetic Techniques" (f_m_x)
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”.
The Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences GFZ invites applications for the:
Reference Number 10285
The department 'Geodesy' at the GFZ has five independent sections that together advance the goals of the Helmholtz research programme "Changing Earth -Sustaining our Future" and provide important services and infrastructure within the Modular Earth Science lnfrastructure (MESI). As part of the Department “Geodesy” the Section 1.1 “Space Geodetic Techniques” focuses on methodological developments and geoscientific applications of satellite geodesy, in particular of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for the comprehensive observation of the complex Earth system, and takes up significant roles in numerous international services and scientific organisations.
Your responsibilities:
The successful candidate will direct and represent the field of satellite geodesy at GFZ with a particular focus on geometric techniques and lead Section 1.1 with its observational facilities, such as GNSS ground stations and GNSS receivers on Low Earth Orbiting satellites. The area of responsibilities will include real-time GNSS, GNSS meteorology and radio occultation, GNSS reflectometry, and the combination of complementary geodetic techniques. The future head is expected to advance the Section's scientific profile in the Helmholtz research programme as well as within the international geodetic community. This includes significant contributions to:
- the further development, operation, processing and analysis of GNSS infrastructure
- geoscientific applications of GNSS products
- the interpretation and multidisciplinary utilisation of space geodetic data products
- modern concepts for the realization of dynamic reference frames under global change
Your Profile:
Essential qualifications:
- Outstanding performances in research in satellite geodesy, in particular in GNSS technology, processing, and geoscientific applications (subject-related Master and PhD required)
- Internationally recognised expertise with demonstrated ability in interdisciplinary cooperation as well as with respect to management of the research area “Satellite Geodesy”
- The applicant should have a proven track record of acquiring and managing third party funded projects as well as broad experience in interdisciplinary national/international cooperation
- Willingness and capability to develop a gender and diversity strategy for the section
Desirable qualifications:
- Professional competence in the planning, coordination and operation of geodetic satellite missions
- Demonstrated ability to lead a research unit of scientists and technicians with associated observational infrastructure
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the strategic development of the interdisciplinary research programme of the Helmholtz research field “Earth and Environment", to enhance the cooperation within GFZ and with external partners, and to consider this in a scientific concept for the section. Openness to face new scientific challenges as well as readiness to participate in projects promoting technology and knowledge transfer are expected.
Start date: 1st October 2025
Fixed-term: Permanent position
Salary: An attractive salary commensurate with the position and responsibilities within the framework of the public service remuneration structures (Federal Government) or according to the Federal Remuneration Act (BBesG).
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam
What we offer:
- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- Visible leadership position at a prominent Helmholtz Centre in the research field "Earth and Environment"
- Option of a professorship in a joint appointment with one of our partner universities
- 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
Have we piqued your interest?
Required documents: CV, list of publications, and a list of third-party funds as well as a research concept for Section 1.1
GFZ is aiming to increase the proportion of female colleagues amongst its scientific staff and therefore urges qualified female scientists to apply.
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 Prof. Dr. Maik Thomas 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.