Postdoctoral Fellow in Data-Intensive Radio Astronomy

Deutsches Zentrum für Astrophysik gGmbH; Görlitz; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Part‑time options

Access to HPC/cloud resources

Job summary

The German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA) invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Fellow position in Data-Intensive Radio Astronomy, located in Görlitz. The role emphasizes competitive research using radio spectral line and continuum observations and the development of modern data‑intensive pipelines and AI/ML methods.

Successful candidates will contribute to exascale infrastructure and collaborate across international teams, with a focus on galactic structures, ISM, and galaxy

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field (completed or near completion).
• Demonstrated record of peer‑reviewed publications using radio spectral line or continuum observations.
• Experience with data-intensive techniques, distributed workflows, or AI/ML methods in astronomy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct competitive research in galactic or extragalactic astrophysics using radio data.
• Develop, deploy, and evaluate data-intensive pipelines and AI/ML models for radio data.
• Lead high-impact research on ISM, galaxy evolution, and related topics.
• Define science requirements and provide user support through documentation and community training.

Education

Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics (completed or near completion)

Tools

Docker

Singularity

Kubernetes

Cloud/HPC

Job description

The German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA) is a new research institution being established in the Lusatia region with the aim of strategically strengthening German astrophysics, promoting scientific excellence, and actively contributing to the structural transformation of the region. This postdoctoral fellow position in Data-Intensive Radio Astronomy (Remuneration up to German public service pay grade TVöD Bund E13, depending on personal qualifications) is fixed‑term for 3 years in accordance with Section2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed‑Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

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 centre 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 (TVöDBund), 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.