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.
Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) - Numerical Simulation for the Effect of EMIC Waves
Reference Number 9877
Our section is working on understanding the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment and developing tools for the prediction of the adverse effects of the space environment utilizing satellite observations, physics-based numerical models, machine learning, and data assimilation. Our research will help safely design and operate satellites and maintain ground networks. We try to bridge our theoretical studies with high-performance tools that can be used in science, predictions, and applications.
The project “Waves in the Inner-magnetosphere and their Effects on Radiation belt Electrons” (WIRE) is funded by European Research Council Consolidator Grant and will run from 2024 to 2029. This project combines satellite observations and numerical simulations to study the effect of various plasma waves on the dynamic evolution of radiation belt electrons.
Your responsibilities:
The successful candidate should have extensive experience in satellite data processing and numerical simulations. Job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks related to numerical simulations and scientific programming, including but not limited to:
- Develop scientific codes to process satellite data
- Maintain data and code repositories
- Investigate the effect of EMIC waves on the effect of radiation belt electrons using existed codes and improve the codes
- Document and test existing codes
- Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
- Write manuscripts that will be published 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
- Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming and Unix operating systems
- Advanced knowledge of Matlab and/or Python or IDL
- Basic knowledge of Fortran and C++
- Experience in analyzing satellite data
- Ability to work with large data sets
- Ability to work within a team, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Attention to detail and organizational 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
Fixed-term: 2 years (with possibility of extension)
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?
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.
