Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) – Machine Learning and Numerical Analysis in Space Physics

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Helmholtz Association is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in space physics to advance understanding of the hazardous near-Earth environment. The role involves data management, scientific programming, and research to support satellite operations and safety. Ideal candidates will have a Master's and PhD in relevant fields and experience with programming languages like C++, Python, and Matlab.

Leistungen

Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic research environment

State-of-the-art equipment

Public service benefits

Extensive training opportunities

Flexible working hours

Institute day-care centre on site

Qualifikationen

• Master's and PhD in space physics or related fields required.
• Experience with scientific programming and various programming languages.
• Ability to work with large datasets and knowledge of machine learning is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Maintain data and code repositories.
• Develop real-time visualization tools.
• Conduct scientific research in space physics.

Kenntnisse

Scientific programming

Unix operating systems

C++

Python

Matlab

Machine learning

Data mining

Data assimilation

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

Ausbildung

Master's degree in space physics or related natural sciences

PhD degree in space physics or related natural sciences

Jobbeschreibung

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Job description:

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For Section 1.5 - Space Physics and Space Weather (Department 1 Geodesy), we are looking for a:

Reference Number 10460

The near-Earth space environment is hazardous and poses a significant risk for satellites and humans in space. Currently, there are hundreds of operational commercial satellites with a revenue stream of tens of billions of dollars per year. There are also a number of other satellites that assist in navigation, weather prediction, and telecommunication. Frequent satellite failures caused by space weather have fueled a surge in interest in the specification and prediction of space weather during the last decade.

Our section "Space Physics and Space Weather" is working on understanding the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment, and developing the tools for specification and prediction of the adverse effects of the space environment using models and data assimilation. We study the 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.

Your responsibilities:

• Maintain data and code repositories
• Develop real-time visualisation on the website
• Develop various programming tools for scientific codes and data analysis
• Document and test existing codes
• Adopt scientific codes for different scientific problems
• Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
• Write manuscripts for publication 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
• Experience with scientific programming and Unix operating systems
• Experience with various programming languages, including C++, Python and Matlab
• Ability to work with large datasets
• Experience with machine learning, data mining and data assimilation is a plus
• Knowledge of git, docker, kubernetes, and/or metadata is a plus
• Ability to work within a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication 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: 1st August 2025
Fixed-term: 12 months
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 15th June 2025.Requested documents: CV and letter of motivationDesirable documents: certificates/gradesPlease use our online application form only.

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. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. 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. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

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 Rebecca Barsotti via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number [phone].

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.