Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) - Experimental rock deformation

Deutsches Helmholtz GeoForschungs-Zentrum

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 in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For the section 4.2 Geomechanics and Scientific Drilling (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:

Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) - Experimental rock deformation
Reference Number 11316

ERC funded project RockDeath (Role of Fluids in rock deformation and the earthquake cycle)

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 to 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 rock deformation experiments aimed at constraining the hydro-mechanical properties of rocks and fault zone materials under crustal conditions. The experimental plan includes the use and further development of innovative laboratory and data analysis techniques to determine the coupling between fluid pressure and rock deformation.

Your responsibilities:

• Design and conduct laboratory rock deformation experiments
• Use existing and, if necessary, develop new models to interpret the data
• Maintain and, if necessary, develop laboratory equipment as needed
• 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

About you:

Essential Qualifications:

• A Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD (or thesis submitted subject to examination) in Earth Sciences or in a related field with a focus on rock deformation, rock physics or fault mechanics
• Breadth of knowledge in materials and rock physics (e.g., friction laws, fluid flow, fracture mechanics, flow laws)
• Experience in experimental rock physics or rock deformation techniques
• A track record of publication(s) in the peer-reviewed literature in a relevant branch of the physical sciences

Desirable Qualifications:

• Preferred, but not essential: experience with quantitative data analysis techniques (e.g., inverse methods)

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

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund ”. 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); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

Apply

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 2nd August 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents:

• CV
• Cover letter (1 page max.), including the names and contact details of 2 referees

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. If you have any 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.

Data protection information for applicants

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Nicolas Brantut 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.

www.gfz.de