The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,500 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.

For section 2.7 Space Physics and Space Weather (department “Geophysics”), we are looking for a:

In this project funded by the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant, combining state-of-the-art measurements from multiple satellites, comprehensive models will be developed. We will improve our Full Diffusion Code by using the wave models developed in this project and calculate diffusion coefficients using more realistic background magnetic field and plasma density models for the first time. With the help of our sophisticated physics-based radiation belt dynamic model, fundamental acceleration and loss of relativistic electrons caused by different waves in the Earth's radiation belts will be quantified. We will systematically validate simulation results against satellite measurements to understand the competition between acceleration and loss caused by various types of plasma waves. 

All these improvements will be critically important for answering the overarching scientific question: Why do the Earth’s radiation belts respond differently to geomagnetic storms which have approximately the same intensity? This project will open new horizons for understanding, predicting, and specifying the hazardous space environment. 

The successful candidate should have extensive experience in satellite data processing. Job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks related to empirical modeling and scientific programming, including but not limited to:

• Develop scientific codes to process satellite data
• Develop empirical models for electromagnetic cyclotron (EMIC) waves using multiple satellite data
• Document and test existing codes
• Help to formulate the wave models as input for numerical code to calculate diffusion coefficients
• Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
• Write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journal
• Present related studies at international and national conferences
• Write proposals for future projects
• Maintain data and code repositories

Your qualifications:

• PhD degree in space physics or computer sciences or related natural sciences
• Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming
• Work experience with Unix operating systems
• Advanced knowledge of Matlab and/or Python or IDL
• Basic knowledge of Fortran and C++
• Experience in analyzing satellite data
• Experience with machine learning is a plus
• Ability to work with large data sets
• Ability to work within a team
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills