About the Role
The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of geosciences. As part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organisation, we address global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change and the sustainable use of resources. In doing so, we combine cutting-edge research with social relevance. Our international staff - around 1,200 employees and approx. 500 guests - work in a multidisciplinary way and with a unique infrastructure to research the dynamic processes of the Earth system. Our vision: “Taking the pulse of the Earth to safeguard a habitable planet.”
For section 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for a:
Research Scientist (f_m_x) - Hyperspectral Remote Sensing – EnMAP
Reference Number 11571
The Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) is the German hyperspectral satellite mission funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. EnMAP was successfully launched into space in April 2022 and started routine operations in November 2022. The main scientific goal of EnMAP is to provide high-quality data for the analysis of environmental changes, ecosystem responses to human activities, and the management of natural resources. GFZ Potsdam has the scientific lead of the mission, coordinating scientific collaboration, data quality assessment, mission activities, application development, training, and community building within EnMAP and the hyperspectral community.
Your Responsibilities
Develop novel scientific demonstrations based on EnMAP data, including large-area applications, time-series analyses, and multi-sensor and cross-mission approaches
Develop novel directions for the EnMAP acquisition strategy, with a focus on future acquisition concepts and in preparation for future missions such as CHIME
Support ongoing operational EnMAP mission activities, including acquisition planning and the review of acquisition proposals
Present and publish research results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
Support the preparation of scientific documentation and project reports
About You
Essential Qualifications:
An MSc in Geosciences, Geography, Remote Sensing, Environmental Sciences, Physics, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with a strong background in remote sensing
Thorough knowledge of hyperspectral remote sensing and large-area and/or time-series Earth observation applications
Strong quantitative and analytical skills and experience in developing methods or workflows for the analysis of complex spatial and temporal Earth observation datasets
Programming and data analysis skills, particularly in Python and/or comparable scientific programming environments
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
Very good written and spoken English
Desirable Qualifications
Experience with satellite mission planning, acquisition planning, observation strategies, or related Earth observation activities
Experience with hyperspectral satellite missions, particularly EnMAP or comparable imaging spectroscopy missions
Experience in scientific software/workflow development, analysis-ready data cubes, or automated processing of large Earth observation datasets
Experience in disseminating scientific results through peer-reviewed publications and/or international conferences
German language skills
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
Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Start date:
1st January 2027
Fixed-term:
18 months
Salary:
The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund ”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours:
Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
Place of work:
Potsdam
Apply
Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by
4th November 2026
. Please use our online application form only.
Required documents:
CV, letter of motivation and certificates/grades
The GFZ actively promote diversity and equal opportunities. We explicitly welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age, and physical or neurodiverse abilities.
“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. To know more about our Diversity policies, contact the diversity team. If you need more information about our gender equality policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer and check our Equal Opportunities Plan & Cascade Model.
We look forward to applications from people who enjoy working in diverse teams, where everyone feels respected and valued and can fully develop their own talents. Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.
Data protection information for applicants
In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Dr. Akpona Okujeni via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.
www.gfz.de