PhD Candidate in Collection and Analysis of Data at GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung 2026

In the section Hydrology, we are seeking a motivated and talented PhD candidate to work in the ERC Synergy Grant Project “LIMIT2ADAPT - When and where do we reach the limits of adaptation to riverine flood risk?”.

You will conduct household surveys in international case study areas, analyse the data and develop a global flood damage model. Your aim is to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing households’ adaptation decisions and how these decisions affect their physical vulnerability and flood risk. You have the interest and ability to participate in collaborative and interdisciplinary research activities and discussions in the field of adaptation and flood risk. You will closely collaborate with external partners, and present, publish and communicate research results at international conferences and in scholarly journals.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMay 10, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorGFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Work on a scientifically exciting, socially highly relevant, and globally visible ERC Synergy Grant project
• Collaborate with leading scientists and their research groups
• Take on ambitious and diverse tasks in a dynamic, 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  

Requirements

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography, Engineering, Geoinformatics or related fields
• Understanding of flood risk system: hazard, exposure, and vulnerability
• Programming skills (Python, R)
• Capacity for interdisciplinary teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Ability to communicate in English fluently

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with surveys or survey data analyses is beneficial
• Expertise in machine learning and Bayesian statistics is beneficial

Application Documents

• CV (including names and contact information of two referees) 
• Letter of motivation
• Grades, transcripts and certificates for your master's degree in a single document - if not available, a confirmation from your institution on the completed degree by the application deadline

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the online application form only.

For more information, kindly visit the GFZ webpage.