Postdoctoral Position in Solar Physics (m/w/d)

Institut für Sonnenphysik (KIS); Freiburg im Breisgau; Vor Ort; EUR 58.000 - 67.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Institute for Solar Physics (KIS) in Freiburg, Germany invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position to develop fast spectro-polarimetric inversion techniques.

The project aims to optimize Stokes inversion codes with GPUs and machine learning, enabling near real-time data analysis and interpretation across instruments such as GREGOR, VTF, and the DKIST facilities. We seek candidates with a strong background in physics or astrophysics and computational methods.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience with radiative transfer and/or Stokes inversion techniques is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with GPU programming and ML frameworks is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Develop fast spectro-polarimetric inversion techniques using GPUs.
• Optimize existing inversion codes for speed and near-real-time analysis.
• Extend code to instruments such as GREGOR, VTF, and DKIST facilities.

Kenntnisse

GPU programming

Machine learning frameworks

Ausbildung

PhD in physics/astrophysics/applied mathematics or related field

Tools

CUDA

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Jobbeschreibung

The Institute for Solar Physics (KIS, Freiburg, Germany) invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position (m/w/d) on the development of fast spectro-polarimetric (Stokes) inversion techniques.

The goal of the project is to optimize existing Stokes inversion codes using graphical processing units (GPUs) and machine-learning (ML) algorithms, substantially increasing the speed at which spectropolarimetric data can be analyzed and enabling near-real-time processing and interpretation. The project is based on preliminary work at KIS that shows the feasibility of this approach. The final goal is to extend the resulting code to a range of instruments, prioritizing those at GREGOR and the VTF at DKIST.

Qualifications

• Applicants should hold a PhD in physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience with radiative transfer and/or Stokes inversion techniques is highly desirable, and prior work with spectropolarimetric observations is an advantage.
• Familiarity with GPU programming (e.g., CUDA) and machine-learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) is also considered a plus.

The offer

• The contract is for a period of 2 years.
• Salary and benefits are according to the rules for public employees of the State of Baden-Württemberg (TV-L) and German law, at the TV-L E-13 level.

On top of the regular social security plans, it includes contributions to a supplementary pension plan, statutory health insurance, and a Christmas bonus.

• contributions to a supplementary pension plan
• statutory health insurance
• a Christmas bonus

Position could start as early as Jan. 1st, 2027.

About KIS

KIS is a foundation under public law of the State of Baden-Württemberg. Its mission is to conduct fundamental astrophysical research with a focus on solar physics. Current research foci are (1) Solar Magnetism, (2) Solar-Stellar connections, and (3) Instruments, techniques, and data. KIS participates in several EU cooperation projects and contributes advanced instrumentation to the DKIST 4-m solar telescope on Maui, USA.

You can expect a challenging and future-oriented field of activity with opportunities for creativity at an innovative and successful research institute, a wide range of development and training opportunities, and an open and constructive working atmosphere, together with the social benefits customary in the public sector. KIS strives to promote the compatibility of work and family life through flexible, family-friendly working hours, contributions to childcare costs, and discounts on public-transport fares.

An equal-opportunity environment is important to us, and we welcome applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in astronomy; we will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women. Applicants with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal qualifications.

Full-time positions may generally be split into two or more part-time positions where there is no formal or legal barrier to doing so. Candidates will be selected in accordance with the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, German General Equal Treatment Act).

Deadline for applications: October 31st, 2026.