The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,500 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

Section 2.7 “Space Physics and Space Weather" of GFZ is focusing 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.

In order to provide prospective Master students early insights into our work, we are offering a student assistant position to work on a joint research project with Section 2.3 “Geomagnetism” on aurora (northern and southern lights) observations. The aim of the project is to better understand aurora and space physics processes by simultaneously measuring:

• Space environment parameters on satellites
• Geomagnetic field at the German Neumayer Station in Antarctica
• Aurora at the Neumayer Station in Antarctica

GFZ has a remote-controlled, state-of-the-art all-sky aurora camera that will be deployed in Antarctica in early 2025. First observations are expected in March 2025. The project involves a trip to Scandinavia for collaboration with other operators of aurora cameras. The project gives the possibility to write a master thesis.

Your responsibilities:

• Test the camera and its remote control software
• Optimizing camera settings and observation strategy
• Quality check of auroral images
• Develop software to analyse all-sky images
• Analysis of aurora images, ground magnetic field and satellite observations
• Collaborate with scientists from space physics and geomagnetism

Your qualifications:

• B.Sc. in Science or Engineering
• Enrolment at a German University 
• Good programming knowledge (e.g. Matlab, Python)
• Analytical skills
• Good knowledge of English