Doctoral Researchers (f_m_x) - Spectral remote sensing for critical raw material exploration

Deutsches Helmholtz Geo Forschungs-Zentrum

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 four:

Doctoral Researchers (f_m_x) - Spectral remote sensing for critical raw material exploration
Reference Number 11468

If you are passionate about developing innovative technologies for the sustainable exploration of critical raw materials, enjoy working at the interface of geology, remote sensing, geochemistry, and artificial intelligence and you are excited by international fieldwork, cutting-edge laboratory research, and the opportunity to contribute to solving one of the key challenges of the global energy transition we would like to welcome you to Geospex (Geo-Spectral Exploration) - a newly established international research group at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences.

The four PhD positions are part of Geospex, a five-year research project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) under the  programme . Geospex aims to advance the exploration of critical raw materials through the integration of multi-scale spectral remote sensing, detailed mineralogical and geochemical analyses, and state-of-the-art artificial intelligence.

The project combines imaging spectroscopy acquired from satellite (EnMAP), UAV, field, and laboratory platforms across the visible-near infrared (VNIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), and longwave infrared (LWIR) spectral ranges. By integrating these observations with mineralogical and geochemical data at the surface and subsurface, Geospex seeks to quantitatively characterize ore systems, enabling more efficient, successful, and sustainable exploration strategies.

Research will be conducted at world-class deposits in Australia, Chile, Canada, Namibia, and Brazil, targeting economically important mineral systems including pegmatites, carbonatites, alkaline igneous complexes, porphyry copper systems, and nickel laterites. The project is carried out in close collaboration with leading universities, geological surveys, and mineral exploration companies.

As a member of the Geospex team, you will conduct original doctoral research while collaborating with interdisciplinary and international researchers. Each PhD researcher will take primary responsibility for data acquisition and field campaigns at one of the study sites. However, the PhD projects are closely interconnected, and candidates will work together on data processing, analysis, and interpretation to develop a comprehensive understanding of critical raw material systems.

Through this collaborative approach, all PhD researchers will gain experience in multiple aspects of the project, including field data collection, imaging spectroscopy, laboratory analyses, geochemical characterization, and advanced data processing methods.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct independent doctoral research within the scientific framework of the Geospex project
• Plan and participate in international field campaigns at one of the project study sites in Australia, Chile, Canada, Namibia, or Brazil
• Collect and analyse spectral data using spaceborne, UAV-based, field, and laboratory spectroscopic systems
• Collect geological samples from outcrops and drill cores, and perform laboratory characterisation using state-of-the-art geochemical analytical facilities at GFZ
• Develop innovative methodologies integrating remote sensing, spectroscopy, geochemistry, and artificial intelligence for the characterization and exploration of mineral systems
• Process, integrate, and interpret 2D/3D geospatial, spectral, mineralogical, and geochemical datasets
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international scientific conferences
• Collaborate closely with project partners from academia, geological surveys, and the mineral exploration industry

About You:

Essential

Qualifications:

• MSc degree in Earth Sciences (Geology, Economic Geology, Mineral Exploration, Geochemistry), Remote Sensing, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline
• Strong interest in critical raw material exploration and interdisciplinary geoscience research
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to undertake international fieldwork, including work in remote areas
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an…