Research Scientist (f_m_x) - Hyperspectral Remote Sensing – EnMAP
- Homeoffice
Reference Number
11571
The Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) is the German hyperspectral satellite mission funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. EnMAP was successfully launched into space in April 2022 and started routine operations in November 2022. The main scientific goal of EnMAP is to provide high-quality data for the analysis of environmental changes, ecosystem responses to human activities, and the management of natural resources. GFZ Potsdam has the scientific lead of the mission, coordinating scientific collaboration, data quality assessment, mission activities, application development, training, and community building within EnMAP and the hyperspectral community.
Your responsibilities:
- Develop novel scientific demonstrations based on EnMAP data, including large-area applications, time-series analyses, and multi-sensor and cross-mission approaches
- Develop novel directions for the EnMAP acquisition strategy, with a focus on future acquisition concepts and in preparation for future missions such as CHIME
- Support ongoing operational EnMAP mission activities, including acquisition planning and the review of acquisition proposals
- Present and publish research results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
- Support the preparation of scientific documentation and project reports
About You:
Essential Qualifications:
- An MSc in Geosciences, Geography, Remote Sensing, Environmental Sciences, Physics, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with a strong background in remote sensing
- Thorough knowledge of hyperspectral remote sensing and large-area and/or time-series Earth observation applications
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills and experience in developing methods or workflows for the analysis of complex spatial and temporal Earth observation datasets
- Programming and data analysis skills, particularly in Python and/or comparable scientific programming environments
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
- Very good written and spoken English
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience with satellite mission planning, acquisition planning, observation strategies, or related Earth observation activities
- Experience with hyperspectral satellite missions, particularly EnMAP or comparable imaging spectroscopy missions
- Experience in scientific software/workflow development, analysis-ready data cubes, or automated processing of large Earth observation datasets
- Experience in disseminating scientific results through peer-reviewed publications and/or international conferences
- German 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
Start date: 1st January 2027
Fixed-term: 18 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
Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 4th November 2026. Please use our online application form only. Required documents: CV, letter of motivation and certificates/grades