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”.
Postdoc position (f_m_x) ,,Combining Physics-Based Machine Learning and Global Sensitivity Analyses for THM Systems"
Reference Number 10337
Are you seeking a PostDoc project at the interface between geoscience, machine learning and mathematics – with an application to the highly relevant topic of induced seismicity? Then a position in this project might be appealing to you. The aim of the project is the further development and optimization of hybrid artificial intelligence systems. A specific focus is on sparse data applications and the reliable incorporation of physical knowledge, to produce explainable models. The project focuses using AI methods in procedures for determining sensitivities, uncertainties and an optimal experimental design. The topic of induced seismicity is important for the further development of technologies in the field of geothermal energy, resulting in a high social relevance of the project.
Your responsibilities:
- Development of new strategies to perform global sensitivity analysis using physics-based machine learning methods
- Development of non-intrusive model order reduction approaches using machine learning models for the simulation of thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes
- Generation of predictive maps to evaluate the potential of induced seismicity
- Further Development of the code basis
- Presentation of the results at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals
Your qualifications:
- Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD degree in mathematics, computer science or geophysics or in related subjects
- Experience in the field of induced seismicity, mathematics, or computer science
- Programming skills in Python/C++ as well as experience in the field of machine learning
- Good English 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
Fixed-term: 24 months
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam
Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 1st May 2025. Please use our online application form only.
Requirements on the application:
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Curriculum Vitae
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Academic certificates (mark sheets and degree statements)
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Summary of the PhD thesis or equivalent
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Names and contact details of (at least) two referees
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Motivation letter (Paragraph delineating your background, interest in the position and career goals)
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.
“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 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.
