Physicist or similar (f/m/x)

^{PhD position}

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

For our Institute of Optical Sensor Systems in Berlin we are looking for a

Physicist or similar (f/m/x)

LIBS and Raman Spectroscopy for the in-situ Exploration of the Solar System

What to expect:

The Institute of Optical Sensor Systems researches and develops passive and active optical sensor systems, such as cameras and spectrometers, for satellite applications or on robotic systems. The development of our sensor systems covers wavelengths from the UV, visible, infrared and THz range for applications in Earth observation, space exploration, robotics, security and transport. 

The department ‘In-situ Sensing’ researches and develops methods for in-situ measurements of planetary surfaces, in particular LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) and Raman spectroscopy for analysing geomaterials. The focus is on applications for geochemical and mineralogical investigations on Earth, as well as in space exploration of extraterrestrial surfaces with mobile robots such as NASA's Mars rover Curiosity (Mars Science Laboratory) and Perseverance (Mars 2020). 

For the CNES/DLR rover IDEFIX, which will be sent to the Martian moon Phobos in 2026 as part of the JAXA mission Martian Moons eXploration (MMX), we have developed a particularly compact Raman spectrometer called RAX, which will analyse the mineralogical composition along the rover's route.

The aim of this doctoral thesis is to investigate how the data from different in-situ methods such as LIBS and Raman spectroscopy can be combined and analysed in the best possible way to maximise the scientific return, especially for space missions. To this end, various geological samples will be measured in the laboratory using prototype hardware, and data pre-processing, data fusion and data evaluation of the spectra will be optimised. We are looking for a motivated person interested in interdisciplinary research with experimental understanding and skills, good analytical abilities and programming skills. 

Tasks:

•  measurements in the laboratory with prototype hardware
•  data acquisition, processing and evaluation of spectroscopic data in particular
•  applying and testing various established and novel evaluation methods (multivariate analysis, machine learning)
•  preparation of test reports and presentation of results at national and international meetings and conferences
•  publication of results in peer-reviewed journals
•  collaboration and exchange in international teams

You will work 19.25 hours per week.

What we expect from you:

• master's degree in experimental or technical physics or similar subject areas
• experience in applied optics, laser spectroscopy and the analysis of spectroscopic data
• proficiency in written and spoken English
• promising scientific achievements
• initial experience in and interest in interdisciplinary scientific research
• good analytical skills and programming knowledge (preferably in Python)

For the application please submit:

• letter of motivation summarising qualifications and research interests
• complete curriculum vitae
• references, diplomas, certificates
• at least one letter of recommendation

What we offer:

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

Further information:

Starting date: 1 December 2024

Duration of contract: 3 years 

Type of employment: part time

Remuneration: Remuneration is in line with TVöD

Vacancy-ID: 98029

Contact: 

Dr. Susanne Schröder  

Tel.: 030 67055 9121

DLR - Helmholtz / Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt

Ads