Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) in space geodesy

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 1.1 Space Geodetic Techniques (department „Geodesy“), we are looking for a:

Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) in space geodesy

Reference Number 9898

Join us in an exciting opportunity to advance global space geodesy with cutting-edge technology! 

The primary goal of ESA’s GENESIS satellite mission is to significantly improve global geodetic reference frames. These serve as a foundation for precise positioning and Earth monitoring and are determined using four space geodetic techniques: DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radio positioning Integrated by Satellite), GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging), and VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry). The GENESIS satellite will enable linking all four techniques on a single satellite platform (“co-location in space”).

Join a diverse and collaborative team. As part of the GENESIS-D project, funded by our partner institution DLR, you will have the opportunity to advance analysis and realistic simulations of VLBI observations. Your work will help shaping the future of geodetic research by achieving the highest precision possible to support deriving a more accurate and stable TRF which meets the requirements of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS).

Your responsibilities:

• Expand and enhance the VLBI software of GFZ to incorporate satellite VLBI, supporting a comprehensive multi-technique combination, including the GENESIS satellite orbit
• Develop, apply, and optimize advanced simulation tools for VLBI observations of GENESIS, ensuring precise alignment with project goals.
• Implement and refine scenario simulations, covering VLBI group delay and phase-referencing observations of the GENESIS satellite to support accurate and reliable mission data
• Collaborate with colleagues in the GENESIS-D project group and contribute to the IAG (International Association of Geodesy) GENESIS working group on behalf of GFZ

Your qualifications:

• University degree (Master, Diploma or equivalent) in geodesy, space engineering, astronomy or a related discipline
• PhD degree („PostDoc“) in a related discipline. At the time of the application the PhD degree is not a requirement, but it needs to be obtained soon after the beginning of the project. This can be demonstrated by a letter of support from the PhD supervisor, for instance
• Experience in geodetic data analysis concepts and simulation of VLBI to satellites, either proven by the PhD topic and/or publications
• Expertise in precise orbit determination and combination of space geodetic techniques
• Familiarity with VLBI phase-referencing and data processing in Linux (including shell scripting)
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, FORTRAN, C++, C#, SQL, Python, or scientific programming for High-Performance Computing (HPC)
• Good command of English (written and spoken)
• Strong autonomous working skills as well as the ability and willingness to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team and communicate with internal and external partners

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: 01.01.2025

Fixed-term: 30.09.2027, with possibility of extension

Salary: The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications and may be classed up to salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”.

Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week)

Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 17th November 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. Robert Heinkelmann either via email at robert.heinkelmann[at]gfz-potsdam.de or phone +49 (0)331-6264-1144. 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

GFZ - Helmholtz / Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum

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