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

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

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
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus