Research Associate (f/m/x) in Space Physics

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for geosphere research. As a member of the Helmholtz Association we are part of the largest German scientific organization. With around 1,300 employees we develop a sound understanding of the systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to face global change and its regional impacts, to understand natural hazards and reduce associated risks, and to assess the influence of humans on the Earth's system.

As a partner in Geo.X, the GFZ has access to an excellent network of other geoscience institutions in Potsdam and Berlin. This largest regional concentration of geoscientific competence in Europe offers first-class cooperation and development opportunities.

For section 2.7 "Space Physics and Space Weather" (department “Geophysics”), we are looking for a:

Research Associate (f/m/x) in Space Physics

Reference Number 4813

Our section is working on understanding of the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment and developing the tools for specification and prediction of the adverse effects of space environment using models and data assimilation. We study fundamental processes in the near-Earth environment and focus on understanding fundamental processes responsible for the evolution of space radiation. 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 tools that can be used by engineers.

Your responsibilities:

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

develop scientific codes
maintain data and code repositories
develop visualizations for the website
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
write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

PhD and MSc in physics, computer sciences, maths or related natural sciences
several years of working experience with IT programming or scientific programming
knowledge of data science and machine learning concepts
knowledge of Unix, Mac, and Windows operating systems
advanced knowledge of programming languages, such as C++, Python, Matlab, IDL, Fortran
experience in developing numerical codes
experience in maintaining Unix workstations
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

Start date: as soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years
Salary: This position has been assessed as being salary group 13 according to "TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)". The salary group will be determined by the conditions of the collective wage agreement and the appropriate personal qualifications.
Working hours: full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is, in principle, suitable for part-time employment.
Place of work: Potsdam

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
in walking distance of Potsdam main station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Did we pique your interest?

If so, we are looking forward to receiving your application by the 25^th March 2021. Please use our online application form only.

Please include the following documents in your application: statement of technical skills (IT skills, operating systems, list of developed codes) including the years of experience or level of proficiency (basic/ intermediate/ expert); CV; cover letter; certificates/ transcripts of all your degrees.

Apply

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. We therefore very much welcome applications from qualified women. In the case of equal aptitude, severely disabled persons are given preferential consideration in accordance with the Code of Social Law IX.

Your personal data will be treated in line with Art. 6 (1b) and Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with § 26 BbgDSG during the selection process. After the selection process has been concluded, your application documents will be deleted, in line with data protection regulation.

In case of any further queries relating to the role’s responsibilities, please contact Prof. Yuri Shprits on yuri.shprits@gfz-potsdam.de. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact Ms Buge on +49 (0) 331-288-28787.

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Contact

Clerk

Franca Buge

Human Resources

Telegrafenberg

Building G, Room 429

14473 Potsdam

+49 331 288-28787

Profile

Für Fragen zur Gleichstellung steht Ihnen die Gleichstellungsbeauftragte des GFZ, Frau Dr. Weckmann unter Tel. +49 331 288-2824 bzw. per E-Mail zur Verfügung.

Fragen zur Mitarbeit schwerhinderter Personen beantwortet gerne die Schwerbindertenvertreterin des GFZ, Frau Thiel unter Tel. +49 331 288-1648 bzw. per E-Mail.