Field Data Geoscientist; f_m_x

GFZ is Germany’s national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating natural hazards to responsibly managing georesources. Part of the Helmholtz Association, we employ around 1,200 staff and 500 guest researchers, contributing to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment.

Reference Number 11023

The GFZ hosts the Operational Support Group (OSG) of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) in its Section 4.2 ‘Geomechanics and Scientific Drilling’. OSG provides operational and financial support for high‑profile international scientific drilling projects.

The Field Data Geoscientist will play a central role in data and information management, supporting scientific data acquisition across ICDP projects in the field, laboratories, and core repositories. Key responsibilities include fostering collaboration with external project scientists, ensuring adherence to protocols and standards, and overseeing the publication of project reports and scientific datasets.

• Project data acquisition and training of ICDP project scientists on the mobile Drilling Information System (mDIS)
• Training and support in data and sample management workflows and on‑site core handling procedures
• Utilisation of associated drill site instruments (e.g., optical Core Scanner, Multi‑Sensor Core Logger, Online Gas Analysis)
• Development of sophisticated means for quality control in acquisition, documentation, and archiving of scientific drilling data
• Integration of the Hi Per Co Rig  drilling system into the OSG portfolio
• Development and implementation of an ICDP field laboratory
• Support in organisational and logistical tasks such as workshop preparation, hosting, and shipment of equipment and samples
• Editing and publishing operational reports in cooperation with principal investigators and the science team
• Presentation of results at international conferences and publication in peer‑reviewed journals

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) and preferably a PhD in Earth Science or related fields
• Strong geoscientific background, preferably in drilling projects
• Expertise in drilling data management and processing
• Experience coordinating team processes
• Practical skills in database tasks and general programming
• Expertise in the use of analytical instruments
• Willingness to travel internationally and work on projects in remote areas
• Proven ability to communicate efficiently in English

• 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 from our in‑house Career‑Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support for 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 a short ride on the shuttle bus

• Start date:
  
  As soon as possible
• Fixed term: 31.12.2028 (with option of extension)
• Salary:
  Salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”, determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and personal qualifications
• Working hours:
  
  Full‑time (currently 39 h/week); position generally suitable for part‑time work
• Place of work:
  Potsdam