Doctoral Researcher in Hydro-Geophysics
Investigate hydrological dynamics affecting geodetic measurements at Germany’s Geodetic Observatory Wettzell.
Best for:Best for geophysicists, geodesists, or hydrologists with expertise in environmental modeling and programming skills, seeking a research-focused doctoral opportunity in Earth system sciences.
Overview
This doctoral position at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences focuses on hydro-geophysical research within the RING project, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The successful candidate will study how groundwater storage variations and soil moisture changes influence ring laser measurements at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell. The work involves deploying monitoring systems, analyzing sensor data, modeling water fluxes, and developing correction methods for geodetic applications. The role is part of a collaborative effort between GFZ, the German Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The position offers a multidisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international collaboration.
What you'll do
- Deploy a hydro-geophysical monitoring system at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell, including soil moisture sensors and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) transects.
- Derive spatial and temporal variations of water storage from new and existing sensor data.
- Implement a local physically-based hydrological model (preferably HYDRUS) to simulate water fluxes and storage dynamics.
- Adapt methods for modeling hydrological mass attraction effects on tiltmeters co-located with ring lasers and develop correction methods.
- Contribute to project activities, deliverables, and collaborative research efforts with BKG and KIT.
- Interpret, publish, and present research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and workshops.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in geophysics, geodesy, hydrology, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; very good command of spoken and written English
Instruction: English
- Understanding of hydrological processes
- Knowledge of environmental process models, particularly physically-based hydrological modeling (e.g., HYDRUS)
- Excellent command of spoken and written English
- Programming skills, preferably in Python
- Experience with hydrological, geophysical, or geodetic monitoring devices
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned
- No age or prior experience caps mentioned
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-25
Applicants must submit their application through the GFZ online application form. Required documents include a CV, letter of motivation, and a single document containing grades, transcripts, and certificates for the master’s degree (or confirmation of completion if not yet available).
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Grades, transcripts, and certificates for master’s degree (or confirmation of completion)
Contact
Prof. Dr. Andreas Güntner· Supervisor
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