Scientist (f_m_x) with a focus on environmental sensing and method/sensor development in catchment hydrology bei Helmholtz Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ

Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam - Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for geosphere research. As a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres we are part of the largest scientific organization in Germany. With approximately 1,500 employees our key mission is to secure a profound understanding of the systems and processes of solid Earth, to develop strategies and options for action in addressing global change and its impacts on a regional level, to understand natural hazards and to minimize associated risks, to ensure the sustainable provision of energy and raw materials for a high-tech society and to evaluate the influence of human activity on system Earth.

For section 4.4 Hydrology (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:

Scientist (f_m_x) with a focus on environmental sensing and method/sensor development in catchment hydrology

Reference Number 9066

The Section Hydrology at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, in collaboration with the University of Bayreuth, is offering a scientist position (75% TV-L 13 German Government scale) for 2.5 years within the DFG funded Research Unit “Fast and invisible: Conquering Subsurface Stormflow (SSF) through an Interdisciplinary Multi-Site Approach”.

Research will focus specifically on investigating hillslope-riparian zone-stream connectivity at the reach to catchment scale. A novel experimental design is used to identify hillslope SSF and to follow its physical and chemical signatures during passage through the riparian zone and along the stream channel network based on hydrometric and tracer-hydrological measurements. Experimental work will be conducted in four catchments in Germany and Austria. Being part of the research unit provides the unique chance of being embedded in an interdisciplinary and enthusiastic research network and to obtain insights into a diverse range of methodological approaches.

Your responsibilities:

Tracer experiments in the stream, with a focus on the development of a novel monitoring system (this will include optimizing and debugging logger programs, power management and developing calibration routines, use of microcontrollers possible)
Installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment
Assessment of groundwater inflows through distributed temperature sensing (fiber-optic cables, DTS)
In-depth data analysis using R, Python or Matlab
Presentation and publication of scientific results

Your qualifications:

MSc degree (in exceptional cases also a BSc) in electrical engineering or similar background with interests in environmental sensing, or alternatively strong interests and some proven experience in sensor development with a degree in hydrology, geosciences, environmental sciences, engineering or a closely related field
We are seeking enthusiastic, curious, self-driven and committed candidates who enjoy working in the field as part of a larger team (regular field campaigns of 5-10 days are to be expected), are willing to handle responsibility and also enjoy programming as well as interacting with sensor hardware.
Some experience in environmental field work, awareness of the challenges involved
Excellent quantitative skills (programming and data analysis)
Very good English writing and communication skills
Some knowledge of or interest in DIY environmental sensing based on Arduinos/ microcontrollers is of advantage
German is an asset but not essential
A valid driver’s license (European Cat. B) is required

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2,5 years
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Teilzeit 75% (derzeit 29,25 h/Woche)
Place of work: Potsdam