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The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for geosphere research. As a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres we are part of the largest scientific organization in Germany. With approximately 1,500 employees our key mission is to secure a profound understanding of the systems and processes of solid Earth, to develop strategies and options for action in addressing global change and its impacts on a regional level, to understand natural hazards and to minimize associated risks, to ensure the sustainable provision of energy and raw materials for a high-tech society and to evaluate the influence of human activity on system Earth.
For section 2.7 "Space Physics and Space Weather", (department 2 "Geophysics"), we are looking for a:

PhD (f_m_x) Research on Chorus Waves and Radiation Belt Electrons

Reference Number 8286

Our section is working on understanding the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment and developing tools for specification and prediction of the adverse effects of space environment using satellite data, numerical models and data assimilation. Wave-particle interactions play an important role in the dynamic evolution of energetic particles in the near-Earth environment. Our research will help safely design and operate satellites and maintain ground networks. In our research, we try to bridge our theoretical studies with high performance computing to develop new tools that can be used by engineers.

Your responsibilities:

The successful candidate should have extensive experience in data analysis and scientific programming. Job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks related to satellite data analysis, scientific programming, machine learning, and data science, including but not limited to:

  • Analyze wave data from satellite missions
  • Develop scientific codes
  • Maintain data and code repositories
  • Develop various programming tools for scientific codes and data analysis
  • Develop machine learning based empirical models
  • Document and test existing codes
  • Adopt scientific codes for different scientific problems
  • Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics and space weather
  • Write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journals
  • Present results in international meetings

Your qualifications:

  • MSc in physics, computer sciences, maths or related natural sciences
  • Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming
  • Knowledge of data science and machine learning concepts
  • Knowledge of Unix and Mac operating systems
  • Advanced knowledge of programming languages, such as C++, Python, Matlab, IDL, Fortran
  • Experience in developing numerical codes
  • Experience with machine learning may be a plus
  • Ability to work with large data sets
  • Ability to work within a team
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication 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
  • Work place 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: 3 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. 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 8th October 2023. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. 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. Anyone who has been recognized 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 questions, please contact our representative for the severely disabled at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dedong Wang via email at dedong@gfz-potsdam.de. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

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