Senior Scientist (f_m_x): Experimental Rock Physics / Seismomechanics

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

Senior Scientist (f_m_x): Experimental Rock Physics / Seismomechanics

Reference Number 10555

The central research topic of [Section 4.2](https://www.gfz.de/en/section/geomechanics-and-scientific-drilling/overview)aims at understanding the physical and physicochemical processes that control dynamics and mechanical properties in the Earth's crust and mantle lithosphere. This covers the entire spectrum of topics, ranging from geomechanics and rock physics to the rheology of crust and uppermost mantle, ranging over the entire spatial bandwidth from the laboratory through mine and reservoir scale to the deformation of tectonic plate boundaries. ln our world-class laboratories, we conduct experiments on deformation and transport processes in rocks at P-T conditions representative of the crust and uppermost mantle. We investigate brittle and plastic, seismic and aseismic deformation processes under controlled conditions with the aim to decipher the underlying mechanism to determine the constitutive behaviour of reservoir rocks as well as earthquake preparatory processes.

The successful candidate is responsible for running our high-pressure laboratories equipped with -among others- a MTS triaxial system with attached acoustic emission / ultrasonic monitoring system, as well as two uniaxial creep rigs (in-house development).

Your responsibilities:

• Lead, coordinate and develop the experimental fault mechanics research group
• Design, run and evaluate rock-deformation experiments using the entire lab infrastructure
• Perform cutting-edge research in the field of rock physics / seismomechanics
• Presentation of research results in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences
• Write competitive scientific proposals to acquire third-party funding
• Supervision and mentoring of postdoctoral researchers as well as PhD and Master students
• Closely collaborate with members of our group and other sections of GFZ
• Establish/maintain interdisciplinary state-of-the-art research in the fields of interest

Your qualifications:

• Master´s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in Earth Sciences, with a focus on rock mechanics and/or seismomechanics
• Breadth of knowledge and expertise in experimental rock deformation, rock physics and fault mechanics
• Expertise in laboratory equipment development, laboratory data acquisition and processing
• Quantitative background in physical processes of rock deformation, fluid flow and fracture mechanics
• Experience as a group leader or in an equivalent senior role
• Track record of competitive funding acquisition
• Track record of publications in international peer-reviewed journals
• Teaching experience
• Interest in interacting with neighbouring disciplines (material sciences, seismology, petrology/mineralogy/geochemistry)
• Ability and interest in working in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment
• Excellent communication skills in English

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed-term: Permanent contract

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 14 according to "TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)". The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications. Allowance possible based on qualifications.

Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.

Place of work: Potsdam

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 a 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

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 24th July 2025. Please use our online application form only.

The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of their ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion or belief, age, and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised 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. For any further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our [Equal Opportunities Officer](https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/employee-representation).

“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. We, among others, do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures, which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure based on Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After the procedure is completed, the application documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact [Prof. Marco apply.job.28162385@hokifyjob.com either 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.