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

Deutsches Helmholtz GeoForschungs-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 EGARoh_Junior 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 interdisciplinary research team
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Candidates are expected to have experience or a demonstrated interest in at least two of the following areas:
  • Economic geology and mineral exploration: Knowledge of ore systems, mineral deposits, exploration workflows, and critical raw materials (e.g., rare earth elements [REEs], Li, Ni, Cu)
  • Field geology and geological data collection: Geological mapping and interpretation, field observations, lithological/mineralogical characterisation, and geologic sampling
  • Spectroscopy and remote sensing: Imaging spectroscopy (VNIR, SWIR, and LWIR), hyperspectral data analysis, spectral characterisation, and mineral mapping
  • Geochemistry, mineralogy, and analytical techniques: Experience with methods such as XRF, XRD, ICP-MS, and SEM/EPMA, and related laboratory approaches
  • Data analysis, programming, and AI: Python programming, algorithm development, geospatial data analysis, and machine/deep learning approaches

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience operating UAV platforms and/or possession of a UAV pilot certificate
• Knowledge of German, Spanish, and/or Portuguese languages
• A valid driving licence

What we offer:

• Work within a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with close collaboration between academia and the mineral exploration industry
• Opportunities to participate in international field campaigns at world-class mineral deposits
• Access to state-of-the-art remote sensing, spectroscopy, mineralogical, and geochemical laboratory facilities
• Supervision within a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment with close links to the University of Potsdam and Leibniz University Hannover
• Excellent opportunities for scientific training, international networking, conference participation, and career development/support.
• 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

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 36 months
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: Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam

Apply

Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 31st August 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents:

• Curriculum vitae (including the names and contact details of two academic referees)
• Letter of motivation describing your research interests and explaining how your background fits the Geospex project
• Copies of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency, where applicable

The GFZ actively promote diversity and equal opportunities. We explicitly welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age, and physical or neurodiverse abilities.

“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. To know more about our Diversity policies, contact the diversity team. If you need more information about our gender equality policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer and check our Equal Opportunities Plan & Cascade Model.

We look forward to applications from people who enjoy working in diverse teams, where everyone feels respected and valued and can fully develop their own talents. Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Data protection information for applicants

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Dr. Saeid Asadzadeh 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