Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) - Experimental rock deformation

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”.

For the ERC-funded project RockDeath (Role of Fluids in rock deformation and the earthquake cycle) in section "[Geomechanics and Scientific Drilling](https://www.gfz.de/en/section/geomechanics-and-scientific-drilling/overview)" (department “[Geosystems](https://www.gfz.de/en/departments/geosystems)"), we are looking for a:

Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) - Experimental rock deformation

Reference Number 10659

The aim of the project “RockDeath“ is to identify and quantify the coupled mechanical, hydraulic and chemical processes occurring across the lithosphere, from slow creep to rapid earthquake slip, and determine the role played by fluids on deep and shallow seismicity, slow slip, and long-term evolution of plate boundaries.

The postholder will advance part of this research programme by conducting laboratory high-temperature rock deformation tests and quantitative micro/nanostructural analysis, with the objective of determining the role of water activity on the rheology of lower crustal rocks.

Your responsibilities:

• Laboratory synthesis and characterisation of starting materials
• Conduct laboratory deformation tests using high-temperature apparatus
• High-resolution quantitative imaging (SEM, TEM) of deformed products
• Prepare and present findings of research activities to colleagues
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals
• Present scientific and technical results and products at international conferences

Your qualifications:

• Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD (or thesis submitted subject to examination) in Earth or Materials Sciences with a focus on rock and mineral deformation processes
• Breadth of knowledge in physics of materials applied to Earth Sciences (deformation mechanisms, diffusion, defects, …)
• Experience in laboratory mineral analysis and testing, and electron microscopy techniques
• A track record of publication(s) in the peer-reviewed literature in a relevant branch of the physical sciences

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed-term: 2 Jahre

Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.

Working hours: Vollzeit (derzeit 39 h/Woche); Die Stelle ist grundsätzlich teilzeitgeeignet.

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 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

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application (CV and Cover letter) by 3rd September 2025. Please use our online application form only.

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. 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. In case of 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](https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/equal-opportunities) 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 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 [Nicolas apply.job.28370013@hokifyjob.com 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.