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 "Geodynamic Modelling" (department “Geophysics”), we are looking for a:

Research software engineer / Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) – Coupling of research software to model solid Earth processes across the scales

Reference Number 8765

Solid Earth dynamics is governed by complex multi-scale processes. GFZ researchers have successfully advanced forward modeling of solid Earth processes like lithosphere deformation, magmatism, erosion, sedimentation, fluid flow and associated mass and energy transport. This project aims at linking our existing software packages to elucidate feedbacks between these processes. The goal is to build a powerful, cross-scale framework for simulating and analyzing solid Earth complexity in order to advance process understanding of plate boundary dynamics, the formation of ore deposits, landscape evolution and geothermal reservoirs. In doing so, the project will bridge modelling efforts in Sections 2.5, 2.1, 3.1, 4.5 and 4.7. Host group will be the Geodynamic Modelling Section 2.5.

Your responsibilities:

Building a coupling infrastructure aimed at integrating existing software packages for thermomechanical, hydrothermal, magmatic and surface processes
Support ongoing and future scientific projects through the new coupling framework. These projects focus on tectono-magmatic interaction in rift systems; formation of magmatic-hydrothermal and sediment-hosted ore deposits; feedbacks between erosion and mountain building; as well as geodynamic effects on fault criticality in geothermally prospective rift systems.
Optimizing the functionality of the coupling framework based on regular interaction with modelling experts from involved GFZ sections
Collaborate with dedicated software developers of the involved GFZ sections
Interact with colleagues in the Geodynamic Modelling Section at group meetings, workshops and in other informal ways
You are encouraged to write publications for scientific journals and to present at scientific meetings but this is not a requirement

Your qualifications:

Master`s degree (or equivalent) in geophysics, computational science, or a closely related field
A doctoral degree is of advantage but not a strict requirement
Extensive experience in software development with C++ and Python
Experience in HPC computing with applications in Earth Sciences
Experience with numerical models based on the solution of partial differential equations
Proven ability to work in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment
Creativity and critical thinking skills
Capacity for international teamwork, and excellent communication skills
Proficiency in spoken and written English

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

Start date: 1^st May 2024
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 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: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 6^th December 2023. Please use our online application form only.

Apply

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. 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. Anyone who has been recognized 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. If you have any questions, please contact our representative for the severely disabled at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.

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 Dr. Sascha Brune either via email at sascha.brune@gfz-potsdam.de or phone +49 (0)331-6264-1928. 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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