D04-26-02 Postdoctoral Fellow in Data-Intensive Radio Astronomy (f/m/d)

DESY; Görlitz; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration (TVöD Bund)

Annual special payments

HPC/Cloud access

Flexible working hours

International collaboration

Job summary

The German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA) invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Fellow in Data‑Intensive Radio Astronomy. The role focuses on research in galactic/extragalactic astrophysics using radio data and contributing to exascale data infrastructure.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a related field, track record in publications, and experience with modern data workflows, containers, and HPC/cloud platforms. English proficiency is essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field (completed or near completion).
• Peer‑reviewed publications using radio spectral line or continuum observations.
• Experience with data‑intensive techniques, distributed workflows, or AI/ML in astronomy.
• Strong collaborative skills in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary, international team.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct competitive research in galactic or extragalactic astrophysics using radio data.
• Contribute to digital infrastructure shaping exascale astronomy.
• Lead high‑impact, peer‑reviewed research in galactic astronomy and ISM with radio data.
• Develop, deploy, and evaluate data‑intensive pipelines and AI/ML workflows.
• Drive user‑facing operations with science requirements, verification, and documentation.

Skills

Collaborative skills

English fluency

Education

Ph.D. in Astronomy

Tools

Docker

Singularity

Slurm

Kubernetes

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM

With the German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA), a new research institution is being established in the Lusatia region. The aim is to strategically strengthen German astrophysics, promote scientific excellence, and actively contribute to the structural transformation of the region. As a scientific institution with a model character for innovation, the DZA will create new opportunities for strategic leadership in German astrophysics and will have a lasting impact on the transformation of Lusatia.

The German Centre for Astrophysics (Deutsches Zentrum für Astrophysik, DZA) is establishing a large-scale digital platform for data-intensive astronomy. The DZA Data Centre will serve as the operational and scientific engine across key DZA initiatives, including the German SKA Regional Centre, multi-wavelength science archive, and federated science platforms.

The following position is to be filled at the earliest possible date, fixed-term for 3 years in accordance with Section 2(1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG):

D04-26-02 Postdoctoral Fellow in Data-Intensive Radio Astronomy (f/m/d)

(Remuneration up to German public service pay grade TVöD Bund E13, depending on personal qualifications.)

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct competitive research in galactic or extragalactic astrophysics using radio spectral line and/or continuum observations

• Contribute to the digital infrastructure shaping exascale astronomy

• Lead high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific research in galactic astronomy, galaxy evolution, and the interstellar medium (ISM) using radio spectral line and/or continuum observations from precursor/pathfinder facilities (e.g., MeerKAT, ASKAP) and large-scale surveys

• Develop, deploy, and evaluate modern data-intensive pipelines, AI/ML models and methods, and automated data workflows tailored for radio data and multi-wavelength synthesis

• Drive user-facing operations by defining science requirements, conducting verification, and delivering user support through documentation, help desks, and community training events

YOUR PROFILE:

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field (completed or near completion)

• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scientific publications utilizing radio spectral line (e.g., neutral hydrogen, molecular gas) or continuum observations to investigate galactic structures, the ISM, or galaxy evolution

• Practical experience or concrete plans applying data-intensive techniques, distributed workflows, or AI/ML models or methods to astronomical datasets

• Strong collaborative skills and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and internationally oriented team

• Fluency in written and spoken English

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with interferometric radio data, spectral cube analysis, or precursor facilities (e.g., MeerKAT, LOFAR, ASKAP)

• Familiarity with modern containerized workflows (Docker, Singularity), cloud/HPC environments (Slurm, Kubernetes), and/or astronomy science platforms

WE OFFER:

• The opportunity to help establish Germany's largest research center dedicated to astrophysics.

• The chance to actively contribute to the scientific and economic transformation of the Lusatia region.

• Significant freedom to shape a new research and technology division and contribute to pioneering scientific developments.

• An international, interdisciplinary, and highly collaborative working environment with leading experts from academia and industry.

• Competitive remuneration in accordance with the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund), including annual special payments and an attractive benefits package.

• Flexible working hours, family-friendly working conditions, and opportunities for part-time employment.

• Direct access to cutting-edge HPC/cloud resources, AI-ready compute infrastructure, and high visibility within the national and international networks.

This position will report to Dr. Toby Brown, Head of the Astronomy Data Centre at DZA.

The DZA is committed to increasing the representation of women in science and therefore particularly encourages qualified women to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons and individuals with equivalent status under German social law are also expressly welcomed. Where candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.