GFZ German research centre for geo sciences
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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" we are looking for a:

PostDoc (f_m_x) - Numerical modeling and scientific programming in space physics

Reference Number 9144

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 the space environment utilizing physics-based numerical models and data assimilation. In our research, we try to bridge our theoretical studies with high-performance tools that can be used in science, predictions, and applications. 

Your responsibilities:

The successful candidate should have extensive experience in scientific programming. Job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks related to scientific programming, including but not limited to:

  • Develop scientific codes
  • Maintain data and code repositories
  • Develop visualizations
  • Develop various programming tools for scientific codes and data analysis
  • Document and test existing codes
  • Adopt scientific codes for different scientific problems
  • Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
  • Write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

  • PhD degree in physics, computer sciences, mathematics, or related natural sciences
  • Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming
  • Work experience with Unix operating systems
  • Advanced knowledge of Matlab and/or Python
  • Advanced knowledge of C++
  • Experience in developing numerical codes
  • Knowledge of code architecture and design patterns
  • Experience with machine learning is a plus
  • Knowledge of space physics is preferred, but candidates with exceptional computing skills and no background in space physics will also be considered
  • Ability to work with large data sets
  • Ability to work within a team
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Excellent English 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: 2 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: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 5th May 2024. 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 either Dr. Dedong Wang via email at dedong.wang@gfz-potsdam.de or Prof. Dr. Yuri Shprits via email yuri.shprits@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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