The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 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.

For section 2.7 Space Physics and Space Weather we are looking for a:

Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) - Numerical Simulation for the Effect of EMIC Waves

Reference Number 9877

Our section is working on understanding the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment and developing tools for the prediction of the adverse effects of the space environment utilizing satellite observations, physics-based numerical models, machine learning, and data assimilation. Our research will help safely design and operate satellites and maintain ground networks. We try to bridge our theoretical studies with high-performance tools that can be used in science, predictions, and applications. 

The project “Waves in the Inner-magnetosphere and their Effects on Radiation belt Electrons” (WIRE) is funded by European Research Council Consolidator Grant and will run from 2024 to 2029. This project combines satellite observations and numerical simulations to study the effect of various plasma waves on the dynamic evolution of radiation belt electrons.

Your responsibilities:

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

• Develop scientific codes to process satellite data
• Maintain data and code repositories
• Investigate the effect of EMIC waves on the effect of radiation belt electrons using existed codes and improve the codes
• Document and test existing codes
• Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
• Write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journals
• Present related studies at international and national conferences
• Write proposals for future projects

Your qualifications:

• Master`s degree (or equivalent) and PhD degree in space physics or related natural sciences
• Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming and Unix operating systems
• Advanced knowledge of Matlab and/or Python or IDL
• Basic knowledge of Fortran and C++
• Experience in analyzing satellite data
• Ability to work with large data sets
• Ability to work within a team, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational 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 (with possibility of extension)

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 16th October 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 recognised 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 Body for Employees with Disabilities 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 Dr. Dedong Wang either via email at dedong.wang@gfz-potsdam.de or phone +49 (0)331-6264 1998. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

Contact

Consultant

Franca Buge

Human Resources

0331 6264-1676

recruiting@gfz-potsdam.de

Clerk

Steffanie Gallwitz

Human Resources