The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of geosciences. As part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organisation, we address global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change and the sustainable use of resources. In doing so, we combine cutting-edge research with social relevance. Our international staff - around 1,200 employees and approx. 500 guests - work in a multidisciplinary way and with a unique infrastructure to research the dynamic processes of the Earth system. Our vision: “Taking the pulse of the Earth to safeguard a habitable planet.”
For section 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for a:
Research Scientist (f_m_x) - Radar Remote Sensing of Mining-Induced Deformation and Landslide Hazards
Reference Number 11579
Are you an innovative researcher interested in developing next-generation radar remote sensing methods to monitor geohazards? Do you have experience processing and analysing InSAR time series, and are you keen to develop new approaches to evaluate ground-motion hazards related to mining and landslides? Would you like to work with the latest satellite radar missions, including NISAR and ALOS-4, and contribute to developing advanced Earth observation methods for geohazard assessment in Chile? Are you an enthusiastic researcher ready to work in an interdisciplinary and international team? Then we would like to have you on board!
Your research will focus on developing and applying advanced radar remote sensing methods to monitor mining-induced ground deformation and landslide hazards in Chile. The project will exploit the rapidly developing capabilities of satellite radar observations, including data from the latest NISAR and ALOS-4 missions, along with established Sentinel-, TerraSAR-X and other SAR datasets for detecting, characterising, and interpreting deformation associated with mining operations and slope instabilities.
Your responsibilities:
As a researcher, you will develop innovative methods for radar remote sensing of mining-induced deformation and landslide hazards. Your work will include:
- Processing and analysis of multi-temporal SAR data from NISAR, ALOS-4, Sentinel-1, and other radar satellite missions
- Development and application of advanced InSAR time-series methods for measuring and characterising ground deformation
- Development of new processing modules and algorithms to address challenges in InSAR time-series analysis, including thermal expansion and temporally coherent scatterers integration
- Integration of InSAR-derived deformation with geotechnical models to improve the understanding and interpretation of deformation processes
- Development of reproducible and open-source software tools for advanced radar remote sensing
- Preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentation of research findings at international conferences and seminars
- Active participation in project meetings and collaboration with national and international research partners
About You:
Essential Qualifications:
- A Master's degree or equivalent in Geodesy, Geophysics, Remote Sensing, Earth Sciences, Geoinformatics, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated experience in processing and analysing multi-temporal SAR data and InSAR time series
- A good understanding of the principles and limitations of InSAR and radar remote sensing
- Experience with InSAR processing software and workflows, preferably including MintPy, SARvey, GAMMA or comparable software packages
- Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, and an interest in developing new algorithms, processing modules, and scientific software
- Strong interest in combining radar remote sensing observations with geotechnical or geomechanical models for the interpretation of ground deformation
- Very strong command of written and spoken English
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience working with large earth observation datasets and high-performance or cloud-based computing environments, or a strong interest in developing these skills
- Interest in mining-related deformation, slope instability, landslides, or other geohazards
- Open-minded about interdisciplinary and collaborative research and connecting remote sensing with geotechnical and geological approaches
- International scientific profile and ability to communicate research results effectively through scientific publications, presentations, and collaboration with project partners
- German language skills are an advantage
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
- Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Start date: As soon as possile
Fixed-term: 2 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Part-time 80% (currently 31 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam
Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 1st December 2026. Please use our online application form only.
Required documents: CV, letter of motivation, certificates/grades
The GFZ actively promote diversity and equal opportunities. We explicitly welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age, and physical or neurodiverse abilities.
“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. To know more about our Diversity policies, contact the diversity team. If you need more information about our gender equality policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer and check our Equal Opportunities Plan & Cascade Model.
We look forward to applications from people who enjoy working in diverse teams, where everyone feels respected and valued and can fully develop their own talents. Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.
In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Prof. Mahdi Motagh 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.
