Applications are invited for a fully funded Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) position in Forest Carbon Attribution from Earth Observation and Atmospheric Constraints at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany. This PhD position is part of the Horizon Europe project EUFOR-G3W, contributing to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Greenhouse Gas Watch.
Position Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) / PhD Candidate |
| Reference Number | 11590 |
| Institution | GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences (Helmholtz Centre Potsdam) |
| Department / Section | Section 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (Department Geodesy) |
| Research Area | Earth Observation, Terrestrial Carbon Cycle, Remote Sensing, Atmospheric Inversions |
| Location | Potsdam, Germany (Telegrafenberg) |
| Employment Type | Part-time 75% (29.25 hours/week), TVöD Bund E13 |
| Contract Duration | 36 months (extension up to 4 years possible, subject to funding) |
| Application Deadline | 2 December 2026 |
Designation
Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Forest Carbon Attribution from Earth Observation and Atmospheric Constraints (Ref. No. 11590).
Research Area
Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, Earth Observation (EO), Carbon Cycle Modeling, Atmospheric Monitoring, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Accounting.
Location
Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany (Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg).
Scholarship Description
While many nations rely on forests to hit climate targets, verifying how much of the forest carbon sink is real versus management-driven or disturbance-induced remains a core scientific challenge. This PhD position integrates satellite observations, terrestrial carbon-cycle models, and atmospheric measurements to deliver an independent assessment of forests’ true role in climate regulation.
As part of the EU-funded EUFOR-G3W project, the doctoral candidate will collaborate with Wageningen University and Research (WUR) and the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) Jena. Key tasks and responsibilities include:
- Translating high-resolution EO forest datasets (biomass, stand age, disturbance history) into model-ready inputs while retaining essential spatial information.
- Quantifying forest management and disturbance impacts on CO2 exchange using model simulations constrained by EO data.
- Assessing the capability of atmospheric CO2 observations to independently constrain forest carbon flux signals across different scales.
- Refining the representation of managed and recovering forests in data-driven upscaling systems like FLUXCOM-X.
- Deriving national-level forest carbon budgets and comparing them with official greenhouse gas inventory reporting.
- Publishing scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at international conferences.
What GFZ Offers
- Remuneration in line with the federal public service collective agreement (TVöD Bund, Salary Group 13, 75%).
- Comprehensive benefits, flexible working hours, and work-life balance initiatives.
- State-of-the-art computational infrastructure and cloud-native analysis environments.
- Extensive career coaching and transferable skills training via the in-house Career Center.
- On-site day-care center and accessible campus facilities close to Potsdam central station.
Eligibility & Qualification
Essential Qualifications
- A completed Master’s degree (MSc) in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography, Atmospheric Sciences, Remote Sensing, or a related quantitative scientific discipline.
- Strong quantitative background and data analysis skills.
- Proficiency in Python programming and handling large geospatial or environmental datasets.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Demonstrated capability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional international setting.
Desirable Qualifications
- Prior experience in terrestrial carbon cycle research, ecosystem modeling, or forest remote sensing.
- Familiarity with atmospheric inverse modeling or greenhouse-gas accounting principles (e.g., LULUCF).
- Hands-on experience using Xarray, Dask, or cloud-native geospatial computing workflows.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply exclusively through the GFZ online application portal. Please prepare the following application documents combined into your submission:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes 3 concise bullet points explaining what excites you about this specific project.
- Copies of relevant academic degree certificates and university transcripts/grades.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is 2 December 2026. The expected start date is 1 February 2027.
Apply Link
To submit your application or view the original vacancy details, visit the official recruitment page: GFZ Job Offer Details – Reference Number 11590.
